Tzeyi Koay

Bio

Tzeyi (pronounced "Zee") is a Chinese-Malaysian lawyer turned fantasy writer. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Politics & International Relations, and a postgraduate Juris Doctor. After a stint in the legal sector, Tzeyi now fully dedicates herself to teaching, writing, and indulging in her ever-growing collection of books.


Her stories are deeply inspired by Chinese culture and mythology, as well as her upbringing in a small village where her family practiced Chinese folk religion—a blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian teachings.Tzeyi’s work delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. 

You can find her on Instagram and TikTok under @tzeyikoay. She is represented by Naomi Davis of BookEnds Literary Agency.

MSWL

As a poet turned novelist, I adore stories that blend poetry with prose. If you’re someone who also revels in line-by-line beauty and evocative language, we’ll get along well. I’m drawn to lyrical, immersive writing reminiscent of authors like Axie Oh, Shelley Parker-Chan, Tahereh Mafi, Madeline Miller, Laini Taylor, Samantha Shannon, Sue Lynn Tan, and so many more. In terms of elements that excite me, here’s what I’m particularly looking for:

  • Lyrical prose

  • Cozy and/or whimsical narratives

  • Mythology-inspired fantasies, especially those rooted in underrepresented mythologies

  • Queer stories, especially sapphic

  • Morally grey protagonists

  • Historical or historical fantasy settings

  • Witty protagonists with a sense of humour

  • Complex, multi-dimensional villains

  • Stories that explore folk religions

  • Books that feature food

  • Creepy, eerie and atmospheric writing

  • Novels that incorporate poetry

  • Multilingual narratives, especially those incorporating East Asian languages

  • Stories set in realms that parallel our own

  • Strong female friendships

I’m not the best fit for:

  • Stories centered around disordered eating 

  • MLM, as I primarily write and read FLF and MLF, but I’m open to non-binary love stories

  • Stories with racism or homophobia as the central theme