Katy Nyquist

Katy Nyquist has had short fiction published in Abyss & Apex Magazine, The Arcanist, Every Day Fiction, Strange Changes, and Magic, Mayhem, and Monsters. She works as an economist in Washington, D.C. and writes humorous fantasy novels to take a break from the constant math jargon.

Katy’s debut novel is A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED, was published in 2025 by Podium. The first in the Scandals of the Gifted series, it was followed by A FARM GIRL’S GUIDE TO RULING AS A BLOODTHIRSTY TYRANT and A NECROMANCER’S GUIDE TO ARRANGED MARRIAGES (both in 2026).

In late-2026, Headline Accent is due to publish THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS.

Find out more on Katy’s website; and also on Tumblr.

Agent Contact: Stevie Finegan

titles


Scandals of the Gifted

  • A HOLY HAND MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED (2025)
  • A FARM GIRL’S GUIDE TO RULING AS A BLOODTHIRSTY TYRANT (2026)
  • A NECROMANCER’S GUIDE TO ARRANGED MARRIAGES (2026)

THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS (2026)

Awards & Commendations

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A HOLY MAIDEN'S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED
- American Bookfest Best Book Awards 2025, Finalist (Fantasy)
- Shirley Jackson Award 2025, Shortlist
- Shelley Book Award 2025, Finalist

covers

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  • THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS
  • Scandals of the Gifted Series

translations

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THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS
- Headline Accent (UK, 2026)

Scandals of the Gifted Series
- A NECROMANCER'S GUIDE TO ARRANGED MARRIAGES - Podium (UK/US, 2026)
- A FARM GIRL'S GUIDE TO RULING AS A BLOODTHIRSTY TYRANT - Podium (UK/US, 2026)
- A HOLY MAIDEN'S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED - Podium (UK/US, 2025)

reviews

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    • THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS
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      ‘THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS is an unbelievably charming, (after)life affirming story about found family, second chances, and the healing power of duct tape and love. It’s the perfect cosy read for people who appreciate top tier dad jokes, riddles from talking cats, or the mind-bending pain of getting a maintenance crew to actually fix something. Even with disaster on the horizon, climbing up the lift shaft with this ragtag group of new friends will give you the same sense of satisfaction as getting into a hotel bed with fresh sheets. Bury me in biscuits from Floor Gluttony; I’m not leaving.’ — Cassidy Ellis Salter

      ‘Warm and wonderful, THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS is a fun and inventive morality play about found family and being your best self.’ — Sarah Beth Durst New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

      ‘Warm, witty, and wonderfully absurd, THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS finds humor and humanity in the most unexpected corners of the afterlife.’ — Auralee Wallace, author of the Evenfall Witches B&B Mysteries

      ‘If you are looking for a contemporary fantasy that blends supernatural comedy with paranormal romance and parody, THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS by Katy Nyquist is a perfect pick, based on the idea of life after death.’ — Readers’ Favorite (5* Review)

      ‘THE PURGATORY HOTEL FOR WAYWARD GHOSTS is an absolute delight from start to finish! Katy Nyquist has crafted a cast of characters who are quirky, heartfelt, and hilarious. I immediately fell in love with this unconventional found family and their even more eccentric home. A perfectly cozy story about love and friendship!’ — Falon Ballard, author of Something Wicked

    • A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED
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      ‘This fantasy story is a wild ride, featuring a fascinating cast of characters that keep the story rolling. Ysabel is such a compelling character as she dodges corrupt leaders, warriors, and others who think they have a right to her… this story sucked me right in. A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED by Katy Nyquist is a fast-paced romp full of intrigue, adventure, and steam!’ — Readers’ Favorite

      ‘[A HOLY MAIDEN’S GUIDE TO GETTING KIDNAPPED features] a protagonist with a strong voice and unique character facets like face blindness and a healing gift… and some nice worldbuilding, both in broad strokes and specific detailing.’ — Elayne Audrey Becker, author of the Forestborn duology

      ‘Absolutely fell in love with Ysabel and Kaine… The ‘opposites attract’ trope worked so well for this story… The stakes are high throughout… Great craft and storytelling!’ — April L. Wood, author of the Season of the Witch series

      ‘Both [Ysabel and Kaine are] strongly drawn and very relatable.’ — Bogi Takács, author of Power to Yield