While not all agents feel the same way regarding queries that come into their inbox, here are some things specific to me:

• • • Please don’t stress if there is a typo. Heavens know I’m grateful for editors! That said, multiple typos are a different story!
    • The query letter is your first impression, so make it count! For more info on writing a great query letter can be found here.
    • I’m not precious about how I’m addressed in the query letter, but these options are fine: Bethany, Bethany Jett, or Ms./Mrs. Jett. 
    • I don’t require a specific format for how your query is crafted. However, I appreciate seeing the manuscript details at the top before getting into the plot.
    • I prefer a Word document submission over a PDF as I often check QM on my phone and the format of a Word doc reads easier.
    • I don’t accept AI-generated works or previously published manuscripts.
    • I use Query Tracker’s pre-qualification feature that prevents the submission of queries that include manuscripts with word counts outside of genre norms. While I give a bit of leeway with word counts, it’s my expectation that writers stay within what is reasonably acceptable for their genre. If you receive an auto pass from QM based on word count, please know that your project would not be considered an exception and I would have sent the same pass manually.

A Simple Query Letter Formula

Here is a simple formula for writing your query letter:

• • • • • Greeting

        • Opening (personalized if applicable, i.e., “I met you at a conference,” “I follow you on Twitter/X,” etc.)

        • Metadata (genre, word count, comps, tropes if applicable, a taste of your platform if it’s NF, etc)

        • Pitch for the book

        • Short bio

        • Close

As a traditionally published nonfiction author, I understand the pressure around “platform, platform, platform.”
I’ve been there, and now on the agenting side, I still find myself emphasizing its importance.

I’m drawn to authors who have already created their brand and built their audience, even before a book deal comes into play.

Please note: I use Query Tracker’s pre-qualification feature that prevents the submission of queries that include manuscripts with word counts outside of genre norms. While I give a bit of leeway with word counts, it’s my expectation that writers stay within what is reasonably acceptable for their genre.

NONFICTION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

**Please note: Query Manager has a space for the audience and comps. You can type “included in proposal” in those sections to be able to bypass them.**

For the nonfiction proposal plus chapters, upload one PDF or Word document that includes the following:

• • • Pitch
    • Overview
    • Genre and Word Count
    • Completion Date
    • Target Audience
    • Bio
    • Marketing plan specific to the book, including links and numbers (where applicable) to social media, website, email list, speaking, etc.
    • Comps
      (Minimum of five, traditionally published within the last 3-5 years. Tell me why your book is both similar and different.)
    • First three chapters
      (can include an introduction)

I’m hooked on stories written in extremely deep POV and I appreciate writing that provides just enough information to the reader while letting their imagination take over…very “Master of Suggestion” Alfred Hitchcock-esque, if you will.

I’m a sucker for small towns, anything in the South, and I adore an unreliable narrator…or two.

I appreciate trigger warnings for suicide.

Extra Thoughts:

Cozy Mysteries, Thriller, & Suspense

Regarding cozy mysteries: please make sure that your cozy mystery is actually a cozy mystery before submitting it. If you’re not sure, please check out this article: “What is a Cozy Mystery?” to ensure you’re hitting the crucial elements that set cozies apart from other mysteries.

Some favorite psychological thriller and domestic thriller authors include: J.T. Ellison, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Jeneva Rose, and Andrea Bartz. For cozies, I love Victoria Gilbert and Ellery Adams. 

If your story revolves around government agencies, military, para-military, or can be categorized as action/adventure, I’m not the best agent for you.

Historical & Romance

I grew up reading every Victoria Holt / Philippa Gregory book I could get my hands on, so I have a penchant for courtly drama and the thrill of historical romantic suspense. I also love stories that are steeped in high society and Regency glamour — think Downton Abbey meets Bridgerton. 

For romantic comedies I’m a better fit for closed-door, sweet romance (see Amazon’s Clean & Wholesome category). If your book can be described as a low-spice Emily Henry, I’d LOVE to see it.

My current rom-com obsession is Melissa Ferguson’s The Perfect Rom-Com, but please don’t follow in Bryony’s footsteps and send me a “149,800 word literary fiction with a touch of magical realism, a bit of suspense, and somewhat biographical” manuscript. #IYKYK.

Upmarket / Book Club / Women’s Fiction

For upmarket/book club/women’s fiction, I’m more flexible. I can’t stop thinking about The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. It’s not closed-door but the emotional depth won me over.

In a nutshell: I’m looking for low-spice stories in the romance genre, but have more flexibility when it comes to upmarket, book club, or women’s fiction.

For a fantastic breakdown between literary, upmarket, and commerical fiction, see Jane Friedman’s guest post from senior literary agent Carly Watters here.

Stories with Magic

I’m drawn to stories rooted firmly in our world with a thread of magic woven through. While I consider this to be “grounded fantasy,” they are often categorized as magical realism on platforms like Amazon. Alongside the magical realism category, you’ll often these stories additionally categorized as contemporary romance, romantic comedy, women’s historical fiction, etc.

Books I love in this category include The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods; The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden, and The Seven Year Slip  by Ashley Poston. For funsies, here’s a link to Amazon’s top 100 in this category.

While I’m using the term as it’s used on Amazon for comparative title purposes, I acknowledge that magical realism has deep cultural and literary roots in Latin American traditions. For further reading, check out Writer’s Digest’s article “What is Magical Realism?” I love their definition:

I’m not the right agent for high or epic fantasy, portal fantasy, or any manuscript with detailed world-building, systems, or creatures.

If you’re unsure if your manuscript fits into magical realism or use Gotham Writers’ definition as a guide: “While magical realism situates readers in a predominantly realistic world, fantasy takes place in an unreal world with unreal characters.”

FICTION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

**Please note: Query Manager will have a place for these sections:

• Title
• Word Count,
• Genre,
• Query Letter,
• Synopsis,
• One Paragraph Pitch,
• Target Audience,
• Comps (please provide 3-5 titles sold within the last five years)
• First 10 pages uploaded as a separate Word document. I often check QM on my phone and a Word doc (versus a PDF) is easier to read.

If I want to read more, I’ll request the full manuscript.

Do not query unless the manuscript is complete, edited, and polished.

In the graphic novel space, I’m drawn to the same qualities that I look for in picture books: strong commercial hooks, laugh-out-loud humor, and compelling characters with series potential.

I am open to both text-only or author-illustrator manuscripts.

GRAPHIC NOVEL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

**Please note: Query Manager will have a place for these sections:

• Title
• Word Count,
• Genre,
• Query Letter,
• One Paragraph Pitch,
• Target Audience,
• Comps (please provide 3-5 titles sold within the last five years)
• In a Word document, submit the entire manuscript, broken down into spreads (pagination). I often check QM on my phone and the format of a Word doc (versus a PDF) reads easier.

Picture book submissions are open again! 

Before submitting, please read this section carefully, as I’m being extremely selective with the picture book projects I take on.   

Extra Thoughts:

I’m open to debut writers and I welcome both text-only and author-illustrator submissions.

One of the biggest things I look for is re-readability. Does this feel like a book a child will grab off the shelf again and again? Is it fun to read aloud, emotionally resonant, or conceptually strong enough to hold up on the tenth (or thirtieth!) read?  In other words, will adults want to hide it or be excited to read it another time?

Subjective preference: I’m not a huge fan of an abundance of illustration notes in manuscripts, but sometimes they’re necessary. — See, I’m coming around, Brian Gehrlein! 🤣 

Final thought: PLEASE paginate!

Final, final thought: Your rhyming book might be absolutely perfect, but please respect my guidelines as I’m not making exceptions.

PICTURE BOOK SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

**Please note: Query Manager will have a place for these sections:

• Title
• Word Count,
• Genre,
• Query Letter,
• One Paragraph Pitch,
• Target Audience,
• Comps (please provide 3-5 titles sold within the last five years)
• In a Word document, submit the entire manuscript, broken down into spreads (pagination). I often check QM on my phone and the format of a Word doc (versus a PDF) reads easier.

Curious Question: How do you pronounce Luedeke?

Luedeke is pronounced LEE-duh-key. Amanda Leudeke told me to remember this phrase: “lead a key to the door,” and I never forgot how to say it after that!

Can I submit via your agency email?

Submissions must be submitted through my Query Manager (QM) here: QueryManager.com/bethanyjett. 

Do you accept simultaneous submission?

I assume you’re querying other agents. However, if you’ve submitted to someone else at MacGregor & Luedeke, please don’t submit to me until you’ve received a response from that agent.

Do you accept previously published works?

I’m only acquiring unpublished works.

When can I expect a response?

I do my best to respond to each query, even if it’s with a form rejection–I’m sorry! My goal is to be in touch as soon as possible, although it can take time. 

Please note: A quick response just means I was in my inbox around the time your submission came in. A slower response either means I haven’t gotten to it yet or it’s in my “maybe pile.”

When should I “nudge”?

I use Query Manager’s internal alert notifications to nudge me on your behalf. However, if you haven’t heard from me in 5 months, please feel free to reach out.

You requested material from a conference and I emailed it but never heard back.

I’m so sorry if this has happened. Please forward the original submission or you can re-submit but via Query Manager.

Do you provide feedback or use form responses?

I only provide feedback if I have something specific to share that I believe will genuinely be helpful.

The majority of my passes are sent using tiered form responses so that I can manage my inbox and make sure I can respond to each query.  

How do you utilize R&Rs?

An R&R means that you’ve been invited to revise and resubmit your manuscript for consideration.  While it doesn’t guarantee representation (and doesn’t automatically jump to the top of my inbox) it does offer a second chance to have the manuscript reviewed.

That said, I’m not a frequent user of the R&R. I’m mindful of how much work goes into a revision and I don’t want a writer to do significant developmental edits only to have the R&R turn into a pass.

If I’m seriously considering an R&R, I’ll typically send editorial notes or request a conversation to discuss editorial visions (specifically stating that this is an R&R call) to see if we’re aligned.