 ABOUT THE AGENT: Gemma Paynter is an associate agent at P.S. Literary Agency. Gemma holds a BA in Philosophy and a postgrad in Publishing. After over a decade working in marketing and strategy, she moved into publishing with Harlequin, working across both trade and category romance. Now, she brings an instinct for audience development, emerging trends, and the cultural undercurrents that shape what resonates, often before it fully breaks through. GEMMA IS SEEKING: Gemma is actively acquiring adult fiction and non-fiction that subvert expectations. In non-fiction, she is drawn to narrative projects that bring niche subjects to a wide readership, particularly those that blend memoir with expertise. Her interests include pop culture, pop science, fashion, design, literary commentary, and the history of subcultures and counterculture. In fiction, she loves immersive atmosphere, sharp observation, twisty storytelling, and offbeat wit. She is especially interested in folktale-inspired horror and fantasy, gothic mystery and romance, fantasies featuring mundane magic, puzzle-driven mysteries, and cozy stories that feel hopeful yet grounded, like a Studio Ghibli movie. She has a soft spot for “weird girl” literary fiction, unreliable narrators, and true rom-coms — make her laugh! Gemma is drawn to work that takes an irreverent, witty approach to the macabre and is always on the lookout for projects that capture the strange, uncanny magic of Twin Peaks. She encourages submissions from underrepresented voices, especially those centering characters who don’t often get to be the protagonist. HOW TO QUERY: Gemma only accepts submissions via email. Queries should be directed to [email protected]. Go to the P.S. Literary website for details. *** You can pitch to Gemma live at the Toronto Writing Workshop on April 11, 2026. Find out more here: https://torontowritingworkshop.com/  Pitch Agents at a Writers Conference in 2026:
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