In picture books and chapter books, Kari is interested in character-driven stories; inventive takes on today’s world; empowering themes; underrepresented voices; STEAM-based stories; and humor. Her main signing focus right now is on author-illustrators or illustrators.

In middle grade and YA, Kari is drawn to compelling voices, tight pacing, and clear world-building across any genre. She loves adventure stories; fantasy that feels new, particularly non-Western settings; contemporary friendship/romance/dramas; suspenseful, atmospheric tales that end (mostly) happily…or not; positive depictions of friendships; messy family dynamics and also joyful ones; witty banter or voices with an edge; heartfelt pining and more seasoned second and third loves; unique takes on an old tale—especially for non-Western legends; and stories that weave in what affects kids today—including but not limited to issues of social justice, climate change, social media pressures, and the pros/cons of technology; graphic novels.

In adult fiction, Kari is seeking upmarket women’s fiction with an engaging voice; suspenseful/Gothic psychological tales with a preference for marginalized voices; intergenerational sagas; touches of magic; and international settings.

Kari is focusing on children’s non-fiction and is not seeking adult titles. She is specifically looking for non-fiction appropriate for ages 0-18 in these key areas of interest: science; history (particularly if it’s relevant to today’s world or is an untold story); information analysis (i.e. how to tell fact from fiction); beauty/health (how to tackle makeup, menstruation, etc.); quirky explorations of topics (Mary Roach for kids); and environmental issues.