Because this agent asks for email queries, it's possible to track whether she has opened a query. Let's just say that you sent an exclusive query to this agent two weeks ago, there is a strong chance she still hasn't looked at it. This is why exclusive queries stopped being a thing years ago: it gives the agent, who has no investment in your work, all of the power while you wait and can do nothing to further your career.

While QT obviously doesn't track every query sent (because not everyone uses it), it's still pretty disheartening to see last request was in 2022, and her query reply rate (despite wanting a 6 week exclusive query) is 1%. Has anyone gotten any sort of request from this agent in the last few years? Or is she more or less closed to queries, even though it states she's open? That's how it seems.

June, 2024

Since this was the first agent I had queried since revising my manuscript, I decided to go for the six week exclusive since Holly said in an interview that she would move it to the top of the pile. My manuscript is extremely polished. I have two novels published, and I know that my query letter was strong as well. That being said, I was reluctant to give her the exclusive. I haven't run across this request in over a decade. I was busy, though, so I figured that the six weeks would fly by. It was an experiment of sorts.

What happened? Nothing. Not even a form reject letter. I assume she asks for the exclusive to cut down on her submissions, but I think it's unprofessional--especially since she can't even take ten seconds to send a form reject. (Though for an exclusive, I would expect a real line or two.)

It's my opinion that writing Holly McGhee, and submitting to this unfair practice, is a waste of time for most writers. If she isn't the first one you have queried, it's impossible to do, anyway, as project are most likely out with other agents when you find her.

I hope that others will view this practice, and it's lack of results, as a reason to not query her.

Good luck to you all!

Re: the "exclusive queries"—just a note that this used to be the norm when querying ALL agents. Those of us who have been writing for a long time were happy to see this go away 6+ years ago

I submitted my materials via email. I told her I was also querying four other agents.

1-10-24 MG Fantasy 67k