With my current client workload, upcoming conferences, and my current QM inbox, I’m not reopening to queries until 2024.
For the fastest news on when I reopen, please check out my Twitter: @BetJett.
I am a member of the
American Association of Literary Agents.
Manuscript Wishlist
I’ve included as much information as I can, as well as my anti-MSWL for what I’m not looking for (at the bottom of this list).
If you think we’ll be a good fit, please see my submission guidelines below.
Learn more about my wishlist at Bethany’s Publisher Marketplace page or Bethany’s Manuscript Wish List page.
Adult Fiction
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.
…and I adore an unreliable narrator…or two.
I’m looking for books within these genres:
- Commercial, Upmarket, and Literary Fiction.
- Historical.
- Time travel and time slip (but not sci-fi or time travel into the future).
I loved the time travel element of 11/22/63 by Stephen King (probably the only book by him that I could handle). - Romantic Comedies. Low spice. Slow burn. Sweet. HEA/HFN.
(see Amazon categories like Clean & Wholesome Romance). - Cozy Mysteries with depth.
Regarding cozies: 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.
Fiction’s Anti-MSWL
I’m not interested in:
- Vulgarity for vulgarity’s sake
- Grimdark
- Science Fiction
- Erotica or sex “on the page”
- Extreme violence
- Horror (with the exception of MG)
I appreciate trigger warnings in the query for suicide.
Manuscripts filled with the f-bomb are not my cup of tea.
KidLit
Picture Books
I’m open to both text-only manuscripts and author-illustrator.
I’m open to PBs of all kinds but am specifically looking for:
- holiday
- bi-lingual
- Where the MC has a disability but it does not define who they are
- Books that provide back matter, like Stella’s Stelar Hair (my current fave).
- STEM, STEAM, (I’m open to SEL but am pretty full with it at the moment.)
*Preference: I am not a fan of illustration notes. If you must include them, please submit a clean copy with no notes (can be in same document).
MG / YA:
Everything listed in the adult fiction genres above, as well as:
- Horror (MG only) Think The Clackity by Lora Senf.
- Cozy Fantasy / Magical Realism.
I love stories where magic and the supernatural permeate our own world. - Within fantasy:
- Contemporary
- Romantasy
- Noblebright/Grimbright/Nobledark (Check out this article: “The Generational Cycles of Grimdark vs Noblebright” for more regarding these elements.)
KidLit’s Anti-MSWL
I’m not interested in:
Although these books and authors are amazing, I’m not looking for books where the comps are LOTR, ACOTR, or anything by Rick Riordan. I loved The Cruel Prince series by Holly Black, but it’s at the upper echelon of my comfortability level with teen “romance.”
Not looking for Grimdark stories or any science fiction elements.
Nonfiction
As a traditionally published nonfiction author, I know firsthand the weight of “platform-platform-platform.” And yet, here I am on the agent side, still saying, “Platform. Platform. Platform!”
That said, I am looking for career-driven individuals who are living out their message and not waiting for the book to jumpstart their marketing efforts.
I’m looking for books within these genres:
- COOKBOOKS!!!!!
- How-to
- Self-help
- Christian Living
- Lifestyle
- Home & Garden
- Business
- Leadership
- Inspirational/Gift
- Devotionals
- Bible studies
Nonfiction’s Anti-MSWL
I’m not interested in:
- Memoir or Narrative
- Devotionals that don’t have a strong thread running throughout
- Projects that don’t have a tie-in to the author’s credentials or platform
- Sports
- Science / Technology
- Politics
Submission Guidelines
I am accepting queries solely via Query Manager: QueryManager.com/bethanyjett
Query Letter: This is your first impression, so make it count! More info on writing a great query letter can be found here.
Salutation: I’m not picky about how I’m addressed in the query letter, but these options are always good: Bethany, Bethany Jett, Mrs. Jett
NONFICTION
**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)
FICTION
For fiction, Query Manager will have a place for these sections:
- Pitch,
- Target audience,
- Synopsis,
- Comps (3-5)
Upload the first fifty pages. (Do not query unless the manuscript is complete, edited, and polished).
PICTURE BOOKS
For picture books, use the same guidelines as you would for nonfiction or for fiction (in terms of how you fill in the Query Manager sections). Submit the entire manuscript, broken down into spreads.
Additionally, please include 3-5 additional PB manuscripts as a portfolio. It can be included in one Word document or as a separate document.
As a “head’s up”, I’m not a fan of illustration notes in manuscripts, and that’s putting it mildly. I don’t automatically reject based on illustration notes, but please include a clean read-through of the manuscript if you’re sending a copy with the illustration notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit via your agency email?
No. Submissions must be submitted through my Query Manager (QM) here: QueryManager.com/bethanyjett
You can set up a free account on the author side of QM called Query Tracker. If you are unable to use Query Manager, you can submit to the submissions inbox of the CYLE agency.
When should I expect a response?
If If I’m interested in representing your work, I will be in touch. I do my best to respond to each query, even if it’s with a form rejection (sorry!) My goal is to be in touch as soon as possible, although it can take 12-15 weeks.
That said, unsolicited submissions sent outside of Query Manager are automatically rejected.
I haven’t heard back and would like to “nudge.” Should I?
I’m not a fan of the nudge, because I have “nudges” set up in Query Manager that alert me if a query has gone unanswered after xx number of days.
If it’s been six months and you’ve not received a response, please nudge because it may have been missed.
Do you offer feedback if you reject my query?
Not always. I know how much time goes into well-crafted queries, so I try to provide feedback if I have something specific to share that will be helpful. That said, it’s challenging to provide feedback to all queries due to the ratio of queries in the inbox and the time it takes to review them. If you’re looking for feedback, finding beta readers and critique groups is your best bet.
Can I submit or remind you about a query in Facebook Messenger, Twitter, or Instagram DMs, or by texting?
Please don’t. These messages will not be responded to.
Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, but be sure to include that information in the query letter. However, if you’ve submitted to someone else within the C.Y.L.E. Agency, do not submit to me.
What is an R&R request?
An R&R means that you’ve been invited to revise and resubmit. This doesn’t mean your resubmission moves to the top of the inbox, but it does give you the opportunity for a second chance.
I’m not a huge proponent of the R&R because I don’t want writers to put in a lot of developmental work only for me to turn around reject the manuscript. Typically if I ask for an R&R, I’m interested in representing the manuscript and we’ll have a conversation before the R&R is requested.
Why does it take so long to hear back if the website says an agent is open for submissions?
An agent’s first priority is to her clients, which means a lot of time is spent with their work, shopping the manuscripts, contract negotiations, and the business side of agenting.
While agents who are open to submissions are willing to add new clients to their list, they must make sure they’re managing their time well (which is something you want your agent to do for you!).
