How do I submit my work for consideration by the Margret McBride Literary Agency?

Please mail a query letter with an SASE (Self-Adressed Stamped Envelope) to our La Jolla office. If this is a work of non-fiction, fiction, business or if you have previously been published, please include information about your credentials and/or previous publications. Any press material, publicity or press clippings, reviews, and or clips from media interviews or speeches.

What is a query letter?

A query letter is usually a one-page letter describing the work you would like us to review for possible representation. Projects are selected using the query letter, unless a few sample pages are included. Letters should be typed and double-spaced.

How many query letters does our agency receive?

Our agency receives a minimum of 50 letters each day, more than 6,000 submissions every year.

Will Ms. McBride read my query letter?

Usually a member of the staff or a staff intern reads our queries first. Our staff and interns know the material we would like to represent. If they find your letter interesting, he/she will pass it on to another member of the Agency, probably the person most likely to be interested in the topic of the work or the style of the work. Once we have decided your project is a potential candidate, we will contact you by phone, e-mail or SASE (Self-Adressed Stamped Envelope).

Who decides whether the Margret McBride Literary Agency will represent my book?

Decisions regarding representation are made after your work is reviewed by at least two members of the Agency staff.

What factors are considered?

A project gets our attention when it is a subject we enjoy or are passionate about and if it is in a genre we beieve we will be successful in representing to a publisher. We read thousands of different projects, containing unique stories and breakthrough ideas, as do the editors for the publishers we work with. The opening is very important and needs to keep our attention through the reading of the letter. By the time we finish the letter we should want to contact you right away.

How long before I will receive a response?

Please allow 6-8 weeks for a response.

What if I sent a query but did not receive a response?

You must not have included an SASE (Self-Adressed Stamped Envelope). Feel free to send another query letter. We do not track query letters.

Is it okay to include sample pages/chapters?

Please include with your query letter no more than the first five (5) pages of a novel or the table of contents for a nonfiction project.

Can I query more than one agent at the same time?

Yes, send simultaneous submissions. However, please note this in your letter and inform any member of a literary agency who may contact you that you have queried several agents.

Can I meet with Ms. McBride before submitting my work?

Unfortunately, as interesting as this may sound, this is something that cannot be accomplished. When the Agency has decided to represent a writer, and an agreement has been reached, then a meeting is appropriate and possible at our La Jolla office.

Does my manuscript have to be finished before finding an agent?

First-time fiction projects should be complete. Nonfiction projects are considered with a complete proposal.

Do you consider self-published books?

If you have a full-length, self-published project, which has sold more than 5,000 copies within the first six months of publication, please send us five (5) copies.

What do you do with the letters you reject?

If no SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) was included with the query letter, we are unable to respond to you and we dispose of your letter.

If you pass on my project, will I get feedback or edits or suggestions?

We are unable to devote our time to advising individual writers.

How long has the Agency been in business?

MMLA has been in business since December 1980.

What publishers do you work with?

Usually, we work with the major New York publishers.

How many clients do you have?

About 55 clients for whom we've sold projects and continue to develop ideas with and represent, and usually another 15 new or active clients whose projects are in various stages of the process for submissions to publishers.

How many projects will the Agency handle at the same time?

At any one time, we could be working on more than 15 projects in various stages.

How much do you charge for your services?

The Agency receives fifteen (15%) commission on all proceeds from the sale of our client's book project to a publisher. This includes sales of the book, sales of the audio book for the life of the book and most foreign sales. (When a sub-agent is used, for foreign sales or other sales, 10% commission is paid to the foreign agent and 15% to our agency.  If no sub-agent is used for a foreign sale the agency retains 25%).

How can I work with an agent in California if I live 3,000 miles away?

We maintain relationships with clients all over the world. Email, fax and phone provide the necessary communication tools for our purposes.

Aren't all the top literary agencies in New York?

No, there are many very successful agencies throughout the country.

What does an agent do?

An agent sells an author’s work to book and audio book publishers for publication. We have an overflowing source of contacts and are a member of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR).

Our agency may generally advise an author how to focus their work or assist our clients in finding freelance editors for more detailed adjustments, and guide our clients through their publishing experience with advice regarding how to work with their editors and what to expect during the publishing process.

How many new clients do you take on each year?

On an average, 10 new clients each year.

Should my work be copyrighted?

As soon as a writer finishes a manuscript, it is automatically protected under copyright law. However, many writers are more comfortable securing an official copyright certificate prior to submitting their works to agents and editors. When a writer sells a project to a publisher, the publisher will register the copyright in the author's name.

How do I know which agent is right for me and my project?

First, find out which agents represent the type of work you have created. Check the LITERARY MARKET PLACE. Second, trust your instinct. Although agents are a unique and persuasive breed, you should be able to tell whether an agent has read your project and loves it and wants it to become a success. You want an agent who will find an editor who loves your project, too. Of course, always have an agent with a successful sales record, like we do, and one who meets with publishers frequently.

Do I really need an agent?

Yes, if you want to be published by a major publisher. Most editors from publishing houses prefer an author who has representation.

Will I need an attorney also?

If you do, find a publishing attorney. Some attorneys are not familiar with publishing contract language. Your agent should be able to handle the negotiation of the publishing agreement and your attorney will make sure your contract has no conflicts with other contracts you have.

Will you work with me on my project?

MMLA works with authors who have finished projects or proposals. We offer advice on how to polish your project, but we do not edit manuscripts. We can, however, provide referrals for experienced freelance editors.

What is the LMP?

The Literary Market Place is the publishing industry directory. You will find one at your library, or review the LMP web site.

What kind of advance can you get for me?

This is not a question we can answer until we see what the market is for your project.

Will I get my advance right away?

No, an advance is not received until after the contract is finalized.

After you sell my project, I imagine I'll have to quit my day job to concentrate on my new career, correct?

No. We do not advise clients to quit their day jobs until their royalty checks exceed their current earnings. There are so many variables in publishing, only time will tell when you can make a living from what you write. Good luck and much success. Remember, every successful author had the same questions you have right now. Believe in your work and believe in yourself, the rest will follow.