I’m currently closed to unsolicited submissions until (probably) April 2023 with the exception of Middle Grade.
I appreciate your patience as I work through my inbox. As always, my current clients’ needs are prioritized, but I will get to each and every submission.
While my inbox is closed to unsolicited submissions, I am still open to requested materials from conferences, pitch events, and referrals.
I keep my Twitter profile updated, so feel free to connect (but not pitch!) over there.
Thanks for popping in!
I have a lot of information on this page, and you can also find out more over on Publisher’s Marketplace and ManuscriptWishList.com.
What am I looking for?
As a traditionally published nonfiction author, I know firsthand the weight of “platform-platform-platform.” And yet, while 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.
To that end, I’m looking for nonfiction writers who are self-motivated go-getters with either large platforms or micro-influencers with high engagement rates.
For fiction, I’m looking for incredible storytelling and completed manuscripts. My specific genre needs fluctuate depending on how many full requests I’m looking at, but I’ll try to keep it updated.
Regarding picture books, I love fiction and nonfiction narrative but if you’re submitting a rhyming PB, I’m a stickler for true rhyme and perfect meter. Near rhyme (slant rhyme) is clever and I appreciate it in songs and poems, but I’m not a fan with regards to PB manuscripts.
Looking to submit your book proposal to Bethany Jett of the C.Y.L.E. agency? Give your work the best chance of being looked at by following the guidelines below.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR:
Nonfiction in these areas:
COOKBOOKS!!!!!
Narrative, How-to, Lifestyle, Business, Leadership, Self-help, History, Politics/Current Affairs, Narrative, Christian Living, Inspirational/Gift, Devotionals, Bible studies, Advice, Relationships, YA & MG
Specifically, nonfiction writers who are living the messages in their books. This is reflected in their platform (which is not solely dependent on social media numbers, although that plays a part). With regards to platform, engagement means more to me than the number of followers.
Fiction:
Adult: Cozy Mysteries with depth. 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.
Young Adult: I love retellings and magical realism with extremely deep POV.
Middle Grade: I’m open to almost all MG genres except sci-fi.
Picture book projects:
I’m open to fiction PB with strong story arcs and I love nonfiction PBs with STEM back matter. For rhyming PB, I’m looking for true rhyme (not near rhyme) that follows correct meter beats.
Not Looking For:
I’m not interested in memoirs, Christian fiction, poems, or books filled with vulgarity, erotica, or horror (with the exception of MG).
Manuscripts filled with the f-bomb are not my cup of tea.
Hopefully, this is Helpful:
In an effort to help you see if we’ll be a good fit, here are some bonus thoughts. My goal is to help navigate the subjective part by sharing (or over-sharing).
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.”
Learn more about my wishlist at Bethany’s Publisher Marketplace page or Bethany’s Manuscript Wish List page.
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.
NONFICTION
For the nonfiction proposal plus chapters, upload one PDF or Word document that includes the following:
- Overview
- Genre and Word Count
- Completion Date
- Target Audience
- Bio
- Marketing Plan
- Comps (Minimum of five, traditionally published within the last 2-3 years. Tell me why your book is both similar and different.)
- First three chapters
**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.**
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.
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!)
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, feel free to nudge.
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.
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?
You can, but 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.
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!).