Jennifer Udden is an adult-fiction-only agent at Laura Dail Literary Agency who hunts for genre-blending, high-concept work — mysteries with fantasy twists, romance with danger, and worldbuilt fantasy — with a particular soft spot for fanfiction-origin stories and cross-genre mashups.
In brief
Udden represents adult fiction exclusively — no YA, MG, picture books, or chapter books, and no stories with child narrators or teenage protagonists even in fantasy.
Cross-genre hybridity is the throughline of nearly every category they seek: crime-romance mashups, sci-fi with locked-room mysteries, cozy fantasy with real menace, historical fiction with magic. If a manuscript fits neatly in one box, it may not be the right match.
Udden openly welcomes authors transitioning from fan fiction to original publication — an unusually explicit and rare signal that distinguishes their list from most agents.
The wishlist leans heavily commercial and high-concept throughout: even literary fiction requests come with a 'twisty' or 'big tent' qualifier, suggesting Udden prioritizes narrative propulsion over quiet introspection.
Their stated distaste for AI-centric narratives is a genuine gating criterion — if the manuscript's core conflict revolves around AI, it is almost certainly not a match.
Lately
Udden explicitly flagged an interest in authors making the transition from fan fiction platforms to original, traditionally published work — an unusually direct and public invitation rarely seen in agent wishlists. They framed this as a real pathway, not a novelty, noting openness to both 'filing the serial numbers' and wholly original projects from writers with fan fiction backgrounds.
What Jennifer is looking for
Udden wants mysteries that break the mold structurally or generically. Unreliable narrators and experimental formats (epistolary, mixed-media) are particularly welcome. A cross-genre overlay — fantasy, sci-fi, or paranormal elements — is a strong plus. Cozy mysteries with a supernatural angle, such as a werewolf detective in a small town, are explicitly desired. An adult-audience sensibility equivalent to the puzzle-and-character pleasures of Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious series is the target register.
Udden wants romance with elevated stakes: suspense or mystery elements, high spice (physical consummation is expected, though not gratuitous), and unusual or high-concept settings — a historical combat class, an SCA community, a fandom world. Why-choose configurations (MMF, MMFM, etc.) are welcome, especially when paired with a genre twist. Dark romance with intense relationship dynamics — age gaps, forbidden pairings — is actively sought. Historical romance with a fantasy or mystery layer is a dream submission.
Fully realized, expansive worldbuilding is non-negotiable here — Udden wants a world so fleshed out it could be explored in any direction. Cozy fantasy that nonetheless carries genuine menace and consequence is a specific sweet spot. Character-driven narratives with unforgettable voices are prized. Romantasy is welcome, but only when both the worldbuilding and the romance are equally strong — neither can coast on the other. Note: fantasy with a teenage protagonist is explicitly NOT a fit.
Udden seeks sci-fi that is extremely commercial and high-concept above all else. Cross-genre elements — romance, mystery, thriller — are what make a submission stand out. The benchmark is work that delivers the genre wonder and readability of Murderbot's first outing. Stories centered on AI as a primary subject are explicitly not desired.
Udden wants literary fiction that doesn't sacrifice propulsion: twisty, multi-POV narratives with broad appeal, or clever conceptual frameworks that reframe familiar territory. A specific declared passion is fiction set in the world of New York media from the 1940s through the early 2000s — the ambition, glamour, and dysfunction of that era. Historical literary fiction that illuminates underexplored perspectives within well-known periods is also warmly sought.
Udden is open to adult horror but sets a high bar: the hook must be immediately compelling and the core concept must offer a genuine twist on familiar territory. Horror without a distinguishing angle is unlikely to succeed here.
Not the right fit
On Jennifer's list
Taste fingerprint
How to query Jennifer
Submit through the agency's online form only — emails sent directly to Udden's work address without a prior referral are deleted without review.
Your submission package must include three components pasted into the form: a query letter, a synopsis, and the first ten pages of the manuscript.
Lead your query with the genre-blend: Udden's wishlist is organized around cross-genre hybridity, so naming both genres upfront ('a cozy mystery with werewolf elements' or 'a romantasy with equal-weight romance and worldbuilding') signals you understand their taste.
If you are a fan fiction writer pitching an original project, say so — Udden has explicitly invited this background and it is a differentiator, not a liability.
Do not query with YA, MG, fiction centered on child or teenage protagonists, or manuscripts where AI is the central subject, even if the genre otherwise fits.
Comp selection matters: Udden cites very specific titles (see the seeking sections above). Choosing comps that reflect both the genre and the cross-genre twist — not just the primary category — will resonate.
The submission form status was directly confirmed as open on 2026-05-19; always re-verify the live form before submitting, as availability can change.