Alex Adsett is a literary agent and publishing consultant with 25 years’ experience working in the publishing and bookselling industry. She has managed Alex Adsett Literary since 2008, and has helped thousands of authors review and negotiate their publishing deals over the last 15 years. 

As an agent she represents more than 50 authors of all ages and genres, including Josephine Moon, Jodi McAlister, Leisl Leighton, Sasha Wasley, and many more.  

Alex is always seeking amazing manuscripts, with a focus on fiction and narrative non-fiction, especially SFF, crime and romance, for all ages from picture books to adults.

What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires? 
Single title only (65k and upwards)

What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
I am not looking for traditional urban fantasy or paranormal romances. I am also not looking for parody, satire, category romance, Australian historicals (unless the 1920's), Mind Body Spirit, or memoir.

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
Murder mystery romances, rom coms, science fiction romance, historical romances with a difference (e.g.. 1920's Egypt, Norse mythology), any kind of romance (even urban fantasy) from Asia Pacific region, especially Pasifika authors.

What genre is your personal favourite?
Science fiction and fantasies are my first love, but at present I’m also loving rom coms (e.g. Here For The Right Reasons, Book Lovers), 1920-30's murder mystery romances (especially KJ Charles' Slippery Creatures series. Sulari Gentill’s Rowly Sinclair series, Dorothy Sayers’ Peter Wimsey). I'd love to see a great queer historical adventure - think spies, pirates or swashbucklers.

What is your major turn-off in a book?
I am not a fan of dubcon, silly heroines without any agency, humour at the expense of plot, or romance plot lines that could be resolved with one honest conversation. 

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
Empowered intelligent heroines and vulnerable heroes. Stakes that matter. Stories by underrepresented authors, queer rom coms, and always, an amazing plot.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Come along and tell me about what you are writing. Be yourself, and try not to stress too much. Please do not sign up to pitch unless you fit some of the criteria I’m looking for, and have a finished or close to finished manuscript.