Submission Guidelines

Also read "An Interview with Donald Maass"

What we are looking for...

We are fiction specialists. All genres are welcome. We handle many authors of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, horror, romance, historical, literary and mainstream novels. To learn more about the clients we represent, check out our client list. Our list is always tight, but never totally full.

PLEASE NOTE: Jennifer Jackson is closed for submissions until January 15, 2010. Please query her after that following the guidelines here.

What we are not looking for...

Poetry. See individual agent profiles regarding non-fiction, books for young readers and picture books.

How to submit...

E-mail queries can be sent to info@maassagency.com and should include the word "query" in the subject line. Please know that we promptly and carefully read every e-query that we receive. We will respond to every e-query that is properly addressed and follows the submission guidelines below. We will not respond to e-queries that are addressed to no one, or to multiple recipients.

Because of security concerns we do not open or respond to any e-mails that have attachments, so please be sure to put your query letter in the body of your e-mail. Please also paste your synopsis and the first five pages of your manuscript into the body of your e-mail.

Alternately, you may wish to send your query letter by snail mail. We respond to every posted query that we receive. Please include your synopsis and the first five pages of your manuscript. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for our reply. If you would like to receive your partial or manuscript back if we should decline, make sure to include enough postage for its return. Please use U.S. stamps or, where unavailable, International Reply Coupons (IRCs) from your local post office. Do not send pre-paid FedEx or UPS mailers or metered postage for the return of your materials.

If we like the sound of your novel, we will request sample chapters and a synopsis. If we like your sample chapters, we will request the whole manuscript. If we like the whole manuscript, you will hear from us! No reading fees or expenses are charged at any time.

Whom should I query...

If you are uncertain which agent at DMLA to query, address your e-mail or letter to Donald Maass (at the info@maassagency.com address). Your e-mail or letter will serve to query all agents at DMLA.

If there is a specific agent at DMLA whom you would like to represent you, then of course query that agent specifically, but please do not send multiple queries.

How long will it take...

To answer your query letter, up to four weeks. To read your sample chapters and outline, about the same. To read your whole manuscript, overnight to a few months. (If we request it, please check with us.)

Do we work with new, previously unpublished writers...

Yes, all the time.

More information...

Donald Maass, Jennifer Jackson, Cameron McClure, and J.L. Stermer are all members of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR). Additionally, the agency is a member of the Author’s Guild, Mystery Writers of America (MWA), the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), and the Romance Writers of America (RWA), and several other organizations.

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