To make the querying process easier to navigate, I separated my wishlists and submission information by category. Each page includes my current manuscript wishlist (MSWL), anti-MSWL, genre preferences, guidelines, and Query Manager link.

Nonfiction Wishlist & Guidelines

Fiction Wishlist & Guidelines

KidLit Wishlist & Guidelines

For ease of access, here is the link to my Query Manager, although I recommend checking out my guidelines pages for the categories in which you want to query prior to submission.

 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 do not use an intern or an assistant or AI to read queries. I go through them all myself. 
    • 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.

You may have heard of the “hook, book, cook,” method for writing a query letter. Additionally, 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

Curious Question: How do you pronounce Luedeke?

Luedeke is pronounced LEE-duh-key. Amanda Luedeke 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?

Current average response times vary depending on season and client volume. I do not follow a “no response means no” philosophy. Instead, I will 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.