Kesia Lupo

 

headshot for kesia lupoKesia Lupo joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2024 after 11 years working across the publishing industry. She started out as an editorial assistant at Pan Macmillan London in 2013, transitioning to children’s fiction in 2015 when she moved to Chicken House (a UK imprint of Scholastic), where she worked her way up from junior to senior editor. Here she acquired and edited bestselling, internationally successful and prize-winning fiction for middle-grade and YA readers. In 2023 she transitioned over to the US and agenting, working with the Bindery Agency before finding a home with DMLA.

At DMLA, Kesia is building a list leaning 60/40 towards middle-grade and YA fiction, with the rest consisting of adult fiction and a smattering of adult non-fiction. She is especially but not exclusively interested in underrepresented voices, whether BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled writers or other identities not listed here. Across all age-groups, she’s seeking:

  • Fantasy/Science Fiction: High fantasy, low fantasy, cosy fantasy. Particularly interested in fantasy and SF inspired by underrepresented cultures with unique world-building. Romantasy is fine but the fantasy elements MUST be strong!
  • Horror: Psychological and paranormal horror in particular but will consider slashers. Love gothic horror. Generally not fazed by gory content.
  • Thrillers: Upmarket thrillers with a unique spin. Loves plot twists!
  • Historical: Open to everything with a strong hook and informed by excellent research. Would love to find non-Eurocentric historical fiction.

For adult fiction only, she’s seeking:

  • Bookclub/women’s fiction: Voice-driven, high-concept novels across these categories.
  • Romance: Upmarket romance with a great one-line pitch. Happy with spice.

For adult non-fiction, she’s interested in accessible political, cultural or historical topics with broad appeal.

Please don’t self-reject – if you are unsure about whether your story might be a good fit, Kesia would rather see it. You can submit via QueryTracker here: https://QueryManager.com/3659