Warning: Be aware of scammers impersonating real agents.
Ms. Joanna MacKenzie
Nelson Literary Agency, LLC
How often does this agent reply to queries?
Get answers to this, and many more agent questions at QueryTracker.
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
Join Now (FREE) to learn more about this agent. (Such as how often and how quickly each agent replies to queries.)
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.
VMattison
03/10/2026 01:17 PM
Query: 02/24/2026
96K Adult Sports Romance
Rejected: 03/10/2026
Reason: Not what she's looking for at this time.
96K Adult Sports Romance
Rejected: 03/10/2026
Reason: Not what she's looking for at this time.
jcgraham
03/09/2026 07:36 PM
3/9/26 - Q adult horror 88K
adub1971
03/09/2026 01:48 PM
Q: 2/21/26 Historical Fiction / 82k
Form rejection: 3/9/26
Form rejection: 3/9/26
mvnynj
03/06/2026 01:06 PM
Same reply as someone else got. A bit disappointing because I thought it was a soft pass and it turns out it's a beautifully written form rejection... LOL...but it was nice to get a reply!
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.
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.
Agent Interviews
Interviews with this agent from across the web.
None found for this agent
Success Story Interviews
Read interviews with authors who have signed with this agent.
None found for this agent
Profile History
- Last Update:
- 01/22/2026 - Open to queries.
Disclaimer
Always verify agent's information before sending your query, and review the agent's website(s) for more up-to-date information.
Though we do our best, QueryTracker can not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided.
An agent listing on QueryTracker is not an endorsement or recommendation of that agent by QueryTracker.
Before contacting an agent, authors should verify and assess the agent's requirements and suitability by visiting the agent's website(s), and becoming familiar with ways to spot and avoid bad agents. A good place to start is Writers Beware, a watch group that helps inform and protect authors from shady practices.
Q: 02 / 27
R: 03 / 16
Kind rejection letter:
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!