I am absolutely overjoyed to share the news that Crystal Seitz, author of debut Inheritance of Scars, will be coming out with two new YA standalones, beginning with Beast Becomes Her!

Sarah McCabe at McElderry Books has bought Crystal Seitz’s (Inheritance of Scars) next YA fantasy, Beast Becomes Her, and an untitled standalone in a six-figure, two-book deal. Pitched as an exploration of feminine rage and toxic masculinity via Wednesday meets Stalking Jack the Ripper with a Norse myth spin, the novel follows Edith, who is sent to Skallagrim Academy to be among berserkir like herself. But when a student is attacked, and a handsome huntsman suspects Edith is behind it, Edith must set out to prove her innocence and avoid the hunter’s crosshairs or become the killer’s next victim. Publication is set for spring 2026; Laura Crockett at Triada US sold North American rights.

You could say Crystal and I were in each other’s orbits for a while. A few years ago she had queried me what became Inheritance of Scars. I’d read a sample of it and saw a lot of promise. She found representation elsewhere, and was able to sell the project to Sarah McCabe at S&S Children’s McElderry imprint. But between the sale and the time to turn in option materials (next project for publisher consideration), Crystal and the agent had parted ways.* When Crystal asked Sarah for agent recommendations, Sarah provided a list––and my name was on it!

I am so thrilled I was one of Sarah’s suggestions, because within a day of Crystal sending the proposal materials to me I knew I wanted to represent Crystal for her career. She learned so much on her journey with Inheritance, and Beast Becomes Her is just SO feminist and angsty and full of rage and commentary on toxic masculinity and UGH YES, and seeing the pitches of her other WIPs (works in progress) made me so excited for all the possibilities of her career. We clicked on the offer call, and as they say…the rest is history!

Add Beast Becomes Her to your TBR, and getting into the wintery spirit of the season by purchasing Inheritance of Scars!

* This is the nature and truth of the business. Sometimes the author and agent grow apart creatively. Sometimes the author and agent struggle to communicate or they want different things. I’ve lost a few clients for these reasons, and almost a third of my clients were previously represented elsewhere before our partnership. Seeking new representation is quite common! I’m sharing this because I want others who may be in a similar boat to know that you’re not alone if you find yourself seeking new representation. At the end of the day, you want an agent––your advocate and business partner––who is not only excited and passionate about the subjective, artistic, creative material you’ve produced, but is also on the same page as you in regards to supporting and strategizing your career. I am glad Crystal queried me again!