Manuscript Wish List: Find Agents Seeking Your Book (2026)

Manuscript wish list helps authors identify literary agents who actively seek specific types of stories. Writers visit sites like ManuscriptWishList.com or search the #MSWL hashtag on social platforms. Agents and editors post detailed preferences there, including genres, themes, and tropes they want. This approach matches submissions to open interests. Authors compare their work to these posts and select agents whose wishes align closely. Query letters often reference a matching wish to show research. The site offers search tools, profiles, and recent updates for efficient targeting.

Quick Answer

Manuscript wish list lets authors discover what literary agents currently seek in submissions. Agents share specific genres, themes, and story elements they want via ManuscriptWishList.com and #MSWL posts. Writers search these to find strong matches and send targeted queries.

• What Is a Manuscript Wish List?
• How to Use #MSWL Search (Step-by-Step)
• Matching Your Project to an Agent’s List
• Where Wish Lists Live: Site, X, and Bluesky
• Building Smart Searches by Genre and Trope
• Real-Time Streams: Using mswishlist.com Safely
• Wish Lists vs. Directories and Market Tools
• Read Agent Examples the Right Way
• Nonfiction and Platform-Driven Wish Lists
• Children’s Categories (PB/MG/YA) on Wish Lists
• Limits & Pitfalls of Relying Only on MSWL
• How to Reference MSWL in Your Query (One Line)
• How Often Wish Lists Change (And Why)
• Ethics: Respecting Boundaries and Equity
• Your Mini Manuscript Wish List (For Pitch Events)
• Query Day Checklist (MSWL Edition)

TL;DR

• Start with the official site, then verify. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Build keyword-rich searches by trope. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Check status: open, closed, timeline. Kathleen Foxx
• Don’t rely on one tool alone. Reedsy
• Personalize your query in one line. jetreidliterary.blogspot.com

What Is a Manuscript Wish List?

An acrylic carabiner clipped to a stack of blank white cards next to an open notebook on a wooden table. — Tools for organizing ideas and important notes. A simple system for keeping track of a reading or writing list.

A wish list is a living note from agents or editors about what they want now. It helps you match content, tone, and category before you query. manuscriptwishlist.com+1
• Defines genres, subgenres, and themes sought.
• Highlights age ranges and formats accepted.
• Notes #MSWL as the discovery hashtag. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Clarifies agent wishlist scope vs guidelines. Owlcation
• Shows examples of desired tropes or comps. ERIC SMITH
• May include off-limits topics or tastes.
• Can link to submission guidelines. Owlcation
• Often mentions trends or timely needs. WriteSeen
• Updates as rosters and markets shift. WriteSeen
• Lets writers pre-filter mismatches early.
• Supports ethical, targeted querying.
• Complements, never replaces, guidelines. Owlcation
• Central hub: official site hosts profiles. manuscriptwishlist.com

How to Use #MSWL Search (Step-by-Step)

Start broad, then narrow by keywords, tropes, and comps. Use platform advanced search to catch phrasing variants. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Open official site search first. advanced search tips apply. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Run hashtag searches for #MSWL posts.
• Add genre terms (e.g., “romcom heist”).
• Add comp author or title variants.
• Try synonyms and near-matches.
• Filter by recent date where possible.
• Save promising posts to a list.
• Click through to agency pages.
• Confirm “open to queries” status.
• Capture exact phrasing they used.
• Note any “no” categories.
• Cross-verify with the profile page. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Record links and timestamps.
• Prepare one personalization line.

Matching Your Project to an Agent’s List

Before referencing a wishlist, make sure the bones match: category, word count, tone, and audience. Owlcation
• Read multiple posts to see patterns.
• Confirm literary agent represents your category. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Check age range alignment.
• Verify format: novel, memoir, GN, etc.
• Look for recurring themes or tropes.
• Compare your comps to theirs.
• Respect “no-thanks” subjects.
• Watch for “closed to queries” notes. Kathleen Foxx
• Avoid stretching your premise to fit.
• Keep your voice and core hook.
• If partial match, log but don’t force.
• Move mismatches to “later” list.
• Prioritize perfect-fit agents first.

Where Wish Lists Live: Site, X, and Bluesky

You’ll find lists on the official website, on X via the hashtag, and on Bluesky via the official profile. manuscriptwishlist.com+2MsWishList+2
• Official profiles consolidate preferences. manuscriptwishlist.com
• X hashtag posts surface fast asks. MsWishList
• Bluesky profile links back to full bios. Bluesky Social
• Agency sites often mirror details.
• Some agents keep lists on personal sites. ERIC SMITH
• Always click through to guidelines. Owlcation
• Watch timestamps on social posts.
• Prefer verified accounts and links.
• Don’t DM queries unless invited.
• Archive useful posts for later.
• Recheck before you submit.
• Remove outdated entries promptly.
• Track platform where you found it.
• Keep a source column in your sheet.

Building Smart Searches by Genre and Trope

Turn your book’s ingredients into search inputs: genre, age range, trope, vibe, and comps. manuscriptwishlist.com
• List primary genre and subgenre.
• Add 2–3 tropes that define it.
• Add tone words (cozy, gritty, witty).
• Include comp titles or authors.
• Try historical period or setting.
• Add point-of-view or structure.
• Include a standout motif.
• Test antonyms/synonyms for coverage.
• Exclude off-genre false positives.
• Save top 10 keyword strings.
• Record which strings performed best.
• Rotate strings monthly for freshness.
• Keep a “near-miss” bucket.
• Refine after every response.

Real-Time Streams: Using mswishlist.com Safely

Aggregators are helpful, but verify before acting. Use them to discover, not to decide. MsWishList
• Skim feeds for fresh signals.
• Click through to original post.
• Check profile authenticity.
• Confirm open to queries state. Kathleen Foxx
• Cross-check on official site. manuscriptwishlist.com
• Log date and context of ask.
• Beware outdated reposts. Reddit
• Ignore vague, non-agent posts.
• Flag any broken links you find. Reddit
• Use agency pages to verify genres.
• Avoid mass-mailing from a feed.
• Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Keep screenshots for your notes.
• Remove stale entries quarterly.

Wish Lists vs. Directories and Market Tools

Blend wish lists with directories and industry databases for a full picture. Reedsy
• Directories map contact info.
• Wish lists show taste signals.
• Market tools show deal history.
• Agency sites confirm categories.
• Use tools to spot Publishers Marketplace notes. Reedsy
• Track reply windows and forms.
• Prefer first-party submission portals.
• Read slush policies carefully.
• Don’t ignore emerging agents.
• Pair tools with peer feedback.
• Note regional preferences.
• Record response times you see.
• Keep a “do not query” list.
• Respect privacy and boundaries.

Read Agent Examples the Right Way

Examples show nuance: what “upmarket,” “genre-blend,” or “joyful adoptee memoir” means to that agent. ERIC SMITH
• Study the exact phrasing used.
• Translate into clear attributes.
• Separate must-haves from maybes.
• Note recurring passions and causes.
• Capture category limits and heat levels.
• Spot comps they repeatedly love.
• Don’t retrofit your premise.
• Respect “not looking for X notes.”
• Avoid copying their language verbatim.
• Mirror tone in a natural way.
• Keep example links in your sheet.
• Update when posts change.
• If unclear, skip and move on.
• Protect your creative voice.

Nonfiction and Platform-Driven Wish Lists

Nonfiction asks often mention platform strength, measurable reach, and proposal polish. Kathleen Foxx
• Expect emphasis on platform metrics. Kathleen Foxx
• Lead with authority and credibility.
• Proposal must be complete.
• Show audience size and access.
• Include aligned comps and gaps.
• Provide chapter-level outline.
• Offer proof of demand.
• Clarify unique angle early.
• Keep tone expert yet approachable.
• Share cross-promo commitments.
• Flag endorsements if secured.
• Avoid scope creep in pitch.
• Respect any “NF-only” windows. Kathleen Foxx
• Log reopening timelines.

Limits & Pitfalls of Relying Only on MSWL

Great signal, incomplete map—so triangulate. Reddit+1
• Some links/posts go stale. Reddit
• Not every agent updates often.
• Specificity can mislead fits. jetreidliterary.blogspot.com
• Scammers mimic hashtags. Alexandra Levick
• Personal blogs vary by recency.
• Market shifts outpace posts.
• “Open” status can change fast. Kathleen Foxx
• Over-personalization wastes space.
• Don’t ignore guidelines pages. Owlcation
• Avoid DM pitching unless invited.
• Keep receipts of sources.
• Verify twice before sending.
• Use directories for completeness. Reedsy
• Ask peers for recent intel.

How to Reference MSWL in Your Query (One Line)

Use one concise line that proves alignment without fluff, then get to the hook. jetreidliterary.blogspot.com
• Place after your logline.
• Quote the relevant phrasing briefly.
• Example: “You noted seeking [X]; my [genre] features [X].”
• Avoid name-dropping unrelated posts.
• Don’t paste long quotes.
• Keep tone professional, warm.
• Tie to your comps naturally.
• Skip if match is tenuous.
• Never argue about fit.
• Don’t overload first paragraph.
• Keep it under 20 words.
• Move on to stakes quickly.
• Close with materials enclosed.
• Thank and sign off cleanly.

How Often Wish Lists Change (And Why)

Preferences evolve with rosters, trends, and list needs—so re-check before sending. WriteSeen
• New agency roles shift focus.
• Market heat cools or spikes.
• Editors request fresh directions.
• Agent bandwidth opens/closes.
• Category fatigue sets in.
• Seasonal programs affect timing.
• Debut waves change appetite.
• Successes bring look-alike caution.
• Personal interests evolve.
• Imprints add/remove lanes.
• Social posts age quickly.
• Profiles get revamped.
• Revisit sources monthly.
• Log change dates in sheet.

Ethics: Respecting Boundaries and Equity

Match respectfully, credit underrepresented voices, and never pressure. Eva Scalzo
• Read for inclusivity expectations. Eva Scalzo
• Avoid co-opting lived experiences.
• Center authenticity over trend-chasing.
• Use own voices carefully and truthfully.
• Don’t argue with pass decisions.
• Keep correspondence private.
• Follow posted etiquette strictly.
• Protect your and their time.
• Cite comps responsibly.
• Don’t tag agents in drafts.
• Respect event rules and codes.
• Support peers generously.
• Celebrate wins, big or small.
• Keep records secure.

Your Mini Manuscript Wish List (For Pitch Events)

Create your own two-line “wish” to attract the right partners at events.
• Define audience and age range.
• State genre and subgenre clearly.
• Add one crisp trope or twist.
• Mention setting or era if key.
• Name two comp titles max.
• Flag tone: cozy, dark, high-stakes.
• Include unique equity angle if relevant.
• Keep under 30 words total.
• Rehearse delivery aloud.
• Adjust for each event.
• Print on a small card.
• Add QR to sample pages.
• Link to a clean portfolio.
• Update after feedback.

Query Day Checklist (MSWL Edition)

Before you click submit, run this quick pass. Owlcation
• Agent accepts your category today.
• Portal/form matches instructions.
• Materials match word/page asks.
• Logline and hook lead fast.
• Personalization line references MSWL. jetreidliterary.blogspot.com
• Comps are sensible and current.
• Bio fits the project’s needs.
• Sample pages are polished.
• Synopsis answers core questions.
• File names are professional.
• Contact info is correct.
• You respected any “no” topics.
• You tracked the submission.
• You closed the tab—no edits.

FAQs

What is a manuscript wish list?

It’s an agent/editor’s running note of what projects they’re seeking now, often surfaced via the official site and the #MSWL tag. manuscriptwishlist.com+1

How do I find agents using #MSWL?

Start on the official site, then use platform searches (including advanced search on X) and verify with agency pages before querying. manuscriptwishlist.com+2manuscriptwishlist.com+2

Is #MSWL still useful in 2025?

Yes—as a taste signal. Pair it with directories and agency sites for completeness and to avoid outdated posts. WriteSeen+1

Where else do agents post wish lists besides Twitter/X?

The official website hosts profiles, and there’s an official Bluesky presence that points back to it. manuscriptwishlist.com+1

How do I reference an MSWL in my query without overdoing it?

Use one short line that ties the agent’s stated interest to your book’s specific element, then continue with your hook. jetreidliterary.blogspot.com

What are common mistakes with MSWL?

Relying on stale posts, ignoring submission instructions, and forcing a weak fit to match a trendy wish. Verify status and read guidelines fully. Reddit+1

Conclusion

Manuscript wish list provides a direct way for authors to connect with interested literary agents. It focuses efforts on compatible professionals and supports better submission outcomes. Trends in 2026 show agents seeking diverse voices, genre blends, and fresh takes on popular categories. Review profiles carefully and follow guidelines. Search ManuscriptWishList.com today.

OLIVIA HUNT

Olivia Hunt is a USA-based wishes and greetings expert with years of experience helping people express emotions through meaningful messages. She focuses on love wishes, sympathy messages, gratitude notes, and encouragement quotes, bringing a blend of emotional intelligence and literary skill to every piece. Her writing is clean, empathetic, and perfect for readers looking for the right words at the right time.