Query Submission

Query Caitlin McDonald at the Donald Maass Literary Agency

Thanks for your interest in querying me! For a detailed and current list of what I am looking for, please check out my Manuscript Wishlist page and the #mswl tag on my website. As a general rule, I am always looking for quality science fiction and fantasy for adults and young adults, with an emphasis on compelling and diverse characters, unique concepts, and strong voices. If your manuscript is some form of speculative fiction but you don't see the exact subgenre available on the list, don't worry--I still want to see it! Just pick the closest option available. If your novel is straight crime, romance, historical, literary, or some other genre not listed and has NO speculative elements, then I am probably not the right agent for you.

To query, please fill out the form below with your basic information, your full query letter, your synopsis, and the first twenty pages of your manuscript. Not all fields are required. If I requested your submission at a conference or online event, please indicate that in the "Referral" box. I ask that you please read my query guidelines in full before sending your submission to ensure thorough consideration.

***SPECIAL NOTE*** I am committed to offering additional support to marginalized voices as much as I am able. Part of this initiative includes meetings to provide personalized feedback on queries for BIPOC and transgender, nonbinary, intersex, or genderqueer authors. If you're interested, simply mark "yes" in the appropriate box on the query form. You can also learn about other support services detailed on my website and social media. If you have questions about this initiative, please feel free to reach out.

PLEASE NOTE: This page is ONLY for submitting queries for graphic novels. I am currently closed to all other queries. Submissions for prose novels and nonfiction will not be considered at this time unless they come with a referral from an existing client or colleague. If you wish to know when I reopen to general submissions, please follow me on Twitter or Tumblr @literallycait for updates.

Step 1. Tell us about the author

Fill in these author-related fields.

First Name: (required)

Last Name: (required)

E-Mail Address: (required)

Phone Number:

Street Address:

City:

State/Province:

Zip/Postal Code:

Website Address: (if you have one)

Blog Address (if you have one)

Twitter Handle (if you have one)

Have you previously published other books? Yes No

Have you ever been represented by a literary agent before? Yes No

If this query is a referral, who referred you?

Please confirm that you have read and understand the submission guidelines on the page linked above: (required)

If you are BIPOC and/or identify as transgender, intersex, nonbinary, or genderqueer and are interested in a free feedback session about your query, please indicate "yes" here:

Step 2. Tell us about the book

Fill in these book-related fields.

Title: (required)

Genre: (required) This agent only represents the genres shown in this list. Selecting an inaccurate genre will result in a rejection. If your book's genre is not shown here, please go to QueryTracker for a list of agents who do represent your genre.

Word Count: (required) Enter the approximate WORD count of your book. Enter numbers only. Do not include any letters or special characters.

Is this book currently published or has it ever been published before? Yes No

Query Letter: (required) Tips for formatting and pasting text Enter your query letter for this book. (Tips for formatting and pasting text) Do NOT paste images into this field. Pasting large blocks of text can take several minutes. Please be patient.

Before you query, get your query letter critiqued for free at qtCritique.com

Synopsis: (required) Tips for formatting and pasting text Enter a short synopsis of your book. (Tips for formatting and pasting text) Do NOT paste images into this field. Pasting large blocks of text can take several minutes. Please be patient.

Before you query, get your synopsis critiqued for free at qtCritique.com

Pitch: Enter a one sentence pitch for your book.

Content Warnings

Step 3. For Artists and Illustrators

Provide illustrations or art samples, if applicable.

Link to online art samples or portfolio: (if you have one)

Step 4. File Upload

Use the buttons below to upload the requested files.

Select your Manuscript or Book Proposal

Select your Sample Artwork (if applicable)

Acceptable file formats: doc, docx, pdf.
File Size Limit: 2 MB (same as 2,000 KB) (Get help for large files)

Optional: Sign into QueryTracker

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Final Step: Submit Your Query

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Important: After submitting your query, you will receive a personalized link to a special page that you can visit any time to check your query's status.

If the recipient of your query would like to read more, they will contact you through that page as well as through email.