Comments on: INTERVIEW: Donald Maass, Part 1

By: Publishing Monday: Why literary agents reject | Kris Waldherr Art and Words

Publishing Monday: Why literary agents reject | Kris Waldherr Art and Words — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:26:48 +0000

[...] First off, the conference was split into three days with the first devoted to workshopping our novel queries and first pages with literary agents. Though I’m fortunate to have a wonderful agent (I’ve been with Theresa for the past decade), it was extremely enlightening to get other agents’ feedback on my work. In addition, I’ve gained a new appreciation for everything that literary agents do. Not that I didn’t have it before, but it was still eye-opening. The second day offered panels about various aspects of publishing — from novel genres to self-publishing and beyond. The final day was a very intense nine hour writing workshop with novel-writing guru and literary agent Donald Maass. [...]

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By: Rajesh

Rajesh — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:19:15 +0000

Massa’s words are eye-openers to some extent. I think I ought to send the manuscript of my first novel to him.

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By: wanda

wanda — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:02:16 +0000

I’m new to your blog, just found it, actually from a mention of Kay Kenyon by Ken Coffman. Now, I can tell you, I’m already addicted! You’ve got great guests and I can see, lots of information to impart. Thank you, wanda

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By: Therese Walsh

Therese Walsh — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:18:42 +0000

Hi Cicily,

The only time I’ve heard agents say it’s okay to query based on a partial is when the writer’s had previous works published. Because the author is a “proven commodity,” the agent can submit to editors based on his/her past record. So I think you should finish your story, then query. My guess is that he’d be interested in the work six months from now, too.

I hope that helps!

Therese

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By: Cicily

Cicily — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:02:55 +0000

Therese,

Thank you for your help. But here’s my next question…If the novel isn’t yet completed, would it be wise to still query him on it based on this interview while it is still a “hot” topic according to him?

Just a thought.

Thanks,

Cicily

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By: Linda Nightingale

Linda Nightingale — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:06:07 +0000

Excellent and informative interview. I learned some do’s and don’ts. Thanks.

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By: Therese Walsh

Therese Walsh — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:22:36 +0000

Eric, how about Atonement, based on Ian McEwan’s novel? That could be good if the early reviews are anything to go by.

Cicily, I’d go right to Maass’s website and look for submission info (after checking out his list, of course ;) ). His web addy is HERE. Good luck!

Good luck to Gregory, too, and anyone submitting. Fingers crossed!

I’m so glad people are enjoying the interview. Come on back Friday for part two.

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By: Gregory Kennedy

Gregory Kennedy — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:13:41 +0000

Thanks, Kathleen. My wheel spins for you, too, as we all strive to get our stories out! This is an amazing site you have here; I congratulate you on building a warm “community” for writers. I’m glad I found it.

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By: Kathleen Bolton

Kathleen Bolton — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:11:27 +0000

Prayer wheels are spinning, Gregory!

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By: Gregory Kennedy

Gregory Kennedy — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:20:53 +0000

Thanks for this great interview. I’m one of the fortunate few Mr. Maass has requested a full manuscript from after reading my initial query and five pages, and then my partial of 50 pages plus an outline for my novel, Evil Blue Devil Man Roams The Voodoo Jungle. Everything I’ve read indicates to me it would be a gift and a sweet jolt to the learning curve to be represented by him; I already feel I know him after reading his books, The Career Novelist and Writing The Breakout Novel. I’m sitting up here in Canada hoping for a positive outcome. Spin yer prayer wheels for me, fellow scribes!

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