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Ms. Joanna MacKenzie
Nelson Literary Agency, LLC
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General
Joanna MacKenzie
Nelson Literary Agency, LLC
Chicago, IL
- Website:
- www.nelsonagency.com/
- Twitter (X):
- @joannamackenzie
- AALA Member:
- Yes (Visit Site)
Query Methods
Accepts queries via...
Genres
This agent is seeking the following genres:
Fiction
Action/Adventure
Chick Lit
Commercial
Contemporary
Crime/Police
Family Saga
Fantasy
• Fantasy, Magical Realism
Historical
Horror
LGBTQ+
Literary Fiction
Multicultural
Mystery
New Adult
Romance
Thrillers/Suspense
Upmarket
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
• Young Adult, Fantasy
• Young Adult, Mystery
Non-Fiction
none
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Known Clients (current & past)
Kate Baer
Shana Gallen
John Galligan
Alison Hammer
Robin Huber
Sierra Kincade
Jonathan Messinger
Meghan Scott Molin
Kristen Simmons
Kathleen West
Author Comments
Comments by authors about this agent.
proudofme
03/29/2026 08:18 AM
A kind rejection, though still a form:
Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project! I thought your query and sample were well-written with a strong concept but not quite what I'm looking for at the moment. Because I'm careful to keep my client list manageable, I'm being really selective about what I request. However, I think another agent is going to be intrigued enough to ask for the manuscript and I'm sorry I can't offer a referral.
Good luck with all your publishing endeavors.
Sincerely,
Joanna MacKenzie
Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project! I thought your query and sample were well-written with a strong concept but not quite what I'm looking for at the moment. Because I'm careful to keep my client list manageable, I'm being really selective about what I request. However, I think another agent is going to be intrigued enough to ask for the manuscript and I'm sorry I can't offer a referral.
Good luck with all your publishing endeavors.
Sincerely,
Joanna MacKenzie
Kearrarose
03/24/2026 04:09 PM
Q: 3/18/26
R: 3/24/26
Very nice rejection.
Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project! I thought your query and sample were well-written with a strong concept but not quite what I'm looking for at the moment. Because I'm careful to keep my client list manageable, I'm being really selective about what I request. However, I think another agent is going to be intrigued enough to ask for the manuscript and I'm sorry I can't offer a referral.
Good luck with all your publishing endeavors.
Sincerely, Joanna MacKenzie
R: 3/24/26
Very nice rejection.
Thank you so much for thinking of me for your project! I thought your query and sample were well-written with a strong concept but not quite what I'm looking for at the moment. Because I'm careful to keep my client list manageable, I'm being really selective about what I request. However, I think another agent is going to be intrigued enough to ask for the manuscript and I'm sorry I can't offer a referral.
Good luck with all your publishing endeavors.
Sincerely, Joanna MacKenzie
dr_nick
03/24/2026 11:06 AM
Q: 3/10/26
R: 3/24/26
Thank you so much for thinking of Nelson Literary Agency for your submission. Unfortunately, it's not quite what I'm looking for at the moment. I wish I could offer a more personalized response, but do know that we read every query letter and sample we receive. Even though your project is not right for us, it might be right for another agent, so don't give up! Good luck with all your publishing endeavors. Sincerely, Joanna MacKenzie
R: 3/24/26
Thank you so much for thinking of Nelson Literary Agency for your submission. Unfortunately, it's not quite what I'm looking for at the moment. I wish I could offer a more personalized response, but do know that we read every query letter and sample we receive. Even though your project is not right for us, it might be right for another agent, so don't give up! Good luck with all your publishing endeavors. Sincerely, Joanna MacKenzie
jcgraham
03/24/2026 07:12 AM
3/9/26 - Q adult horror 88K
3/23/26 - form rejection
3/23/26 - form rejection
Agent Interviews
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Profile History
- Last Update:
- 01/22/2026 - Open to queries.
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R: 2026/03/30
The same form letter as the last two commentators and very similar to the wording from other agents.
She wanted something like Dark Matter. My MS was close to that, so it's very disappointing. But I see that often in the comments on QT - it seems what agents "want" is not what they really want in many cases.