LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION
Daisy Chandley joined PFD in 2019 after graduating from the University of Oxford with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She is an Associate Agent and assistant to Senior Agent Annabel Merullo and Head of Books Tim Bates as the UK sub-agent for New Directions Publishing in the US. Daisy is actively building a list of both fiction and non-fiction authors across a range of genres.
With fiction, Daisy's wishlist roughly falls into three categories ā if something feels like it overlaps between them, even better!
1) Sharp, original novels on the literary to upmarket spectrum, all the way from deeply dark and boundary-pushing books likeĀ Hurricane Season, Under The SkinĀ orĀ In The CutĀ to those balancing edge, heart and humour, likeĀ Detransition, BabyĀ orĀ A Visit From The Goon Squad. She loves irreverent wit, daring approaches in narrative or form, and seriously unsettling stories in equal measure, and if you can bring a few of those elements into one, itāll go straight to the top of her.
2) Com-heavy rom-coms, whether in the dry but ultimately sob-inducing vein ofĀ Greta and ValdinĀ or a Nora Ephron film, the escapist screwball delight of a Cary Grant classic, or the more unusual, genre-bending style of something likeĀ Palm Springs. Daisy is a sucker for Emily Henry and will always be happy to see an innovative take on tropey love stories, but is equally very keen to see to things a bit outside of the box, whether thatās integrating speculative elements, dark humour, or topical issues. In any case, humour and originality are my priority, and affectionately snarky bickering is the best way to make her fall head over heels with a couple.
3) Sleuths! Daisy is not the right person for police procedurals, but loves classic detectives and amateur sleuths. Whether itās a delightful Knives OutĀ orĀ Nancy Drew homage or an intricate, unputdownable mystery on the darker side, the minute someone finds a good old fashioned clue, count her in!
Overall, whether itās a delightfully fun and scandalous page-turner or something really bold and experimental, if itās stylish and smart ā and maybe even a bit sexy ā Daisy would love to see it.
Daisy is definitely interested in literary speculative fiction, though not generally looking for hard SFF. Across the board, she is always looking for stories that explore sexuality, race, gender, and disability, and would particularly love to hear from writers whose voices and experiences arenāt given enough space in publishing.
On the non-fiction side, Daisy is looking for bold new insights and underrepresented voices on popular science, nature writing, relationships, social issues and politics, and am always especially interested in fresh, playful and exciting writing on pop culture, love and the internet. Sheād also love to see illuminating narrative non-fiction, whether a beautiful and lyrical exploration, or an enthralling and explosive deep-dive.
A (large) handful of authors past and present whose work Daisy loves include Patricia Lockwood, Toni Morrison, Elif Batuman, Gillian Flynn, Shirley Jackson, Raven Leilani, Max Porter, Carmen Maria Machado, Virginia Woolf, Sayaka Murata, Kiley Reid, Sally Rooney, George Saunders, Joan Didion, Amy Liptrot, Ottessa Moshfegh, J.D. Salinger, Donna Tartt, Bret Easton Ellis, and Fernanda Melchor.
Daisy is not the right fit for Childrenās or YA authors.Ā
Daisy would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first 2,500 words of your manuscript in a single word document.
(In addition to the paid sessions, Daisy is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion ofĀ I Am In Print).Ā
By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test withĀ I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting.
The submission deadline is: Thursday 8th May 2025