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Jan Dennis Literary Services (formerly Jan P. Dennis Lit. Agency)

Karen Duvall

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I was curious if any of you ever queried literary agent Jan Dennis of Dennis Literary? He represents Ted Dekker and specializes in Christian Speculative fiction. He started out in publishing, but has been agenting for quite some time. I've managed to find a couple of interviews with him, but that's pretty much it so far. I'd like to query him on my urban fantasy (which has religious themes), but I'd like to learn some more about him first. Have any of you ever worked with Jan? What do you know?
 

victoriastrauss

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Since this is a question about a specific agent, rather than a general question, I've moved it to Bewares & Background Check.

A quick Google turns up almost no information other than a few online listings. Also--Christian speculative fiction is a very different market from speculative fiction in general, so if your manuscript doesn't have a specifically Christian orientation, this might not be a good match.

- Victoria
 

Karen Duvall

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Thanks, Victoria, for moving this to the right thread. Sheesh, you'd think I'd have the hang of this by now.

I just thought since one of his biggest clients is Ted Dekker, he was legit. His present (and probably some past) clients include: Ted Dekker, Robert Liparulo, Eric Wilson, T. L. Hines (though I've fairly certain Tony is now with Alive Communications), Donita Paul, and James Beauseigner. His interview is here.
 

rwam

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I think I heard that awhile back, Jan had to temporarily slow things down due to some health problems. He's totally legit, though, and you'd be doing well to get him as an agent.
 

DerekJager

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Months ago, I e-mailed my query to Jan.

In return, he asked for some sample chapters.

And then silence.

After a month, I sent two "pleasant" e-mails from me -- "Just wanted to confirm you received the chapters you requested" -- with his original e-mail attached.

Never heard anything from him.

Personally, I find that rude but it's sort of like dating I guess and he "just wasn't that into me."
 

Leigh86

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I was asked to send him some sample chapters on Nov. 20. I sent them right away and haven't heard anything since. Should I email him again?
 

Red.Ink.Rain

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No problem at all. I'll cross my fingers for both of us. :D Jan Dennis reps some of my all-time favorite authors - Stephen Lawhead, Ted Dekker the King of Scary-Awesome Suspense. It would be, like, a fairytale-happy-ending to be represented by him.
 

Leigh86

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I sent him a follow-up email yesterday. I really hope I hear back from him because I'd love for my Christian Thriller to be represented by him. red.ink-I'm with you. I love Ted Dekker too!
 

Chanelley

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Did you hear anything back, Red Ink?
 

Chanelley

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I'm going through the same thing with another agency. I know exactly how it feels.
 

Leigh86

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Yeah, I sent him a follow up email Jan. 23 and haven't heard anything back yet either. :(
 

doctri

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I queried Mr. Dennis On 12/10/08. He got back to me within three hours and asked for a partial. I sent it immediately. Since then...silence.

On February 10, I sent him a pleasant email requesting an update

Silence.

I sent another email today. This seems to be a pattern with him.