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.

What we are not looking for...

Non-fiction, poetry nor any kind of 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 read every e-query that we receive; however, due to the volume of e-mails that we get, we will respond only if we are interested in reading more of your material or if we want to discuss representation.

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. You may also paste 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. You may include the first five pages of your manuscript and a one page synopsis, if available. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for our reply. If you would like to receive your 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. 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 directly, but please do not send multiple queries.

How long will it take...

To answer your query letter, two to three 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 Stephen Barbara 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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