#query queue

[literallycait]

Submissions Schedule

Hi, all! I know I've been absent from social media for quite some time. The last few years have been a struggle, first with the pandemic and then the onset of a difficult medical condition that I'm still learning how to live with. My existing clients are of course always my priority, so unfortunately my query inbox and social presence had to fall by the wayside for a time. But I'm back on a roll, finally almost caught up and ready to reopen to queries on SEPTEMBER 1st!

If you had an unanswered query or manuscript out with me from several years ago, you may see something in your inbox in the next day or two. Given that at this point most authors in my inbox will have moved on to other agents and new projects or significant revisions, I feel it makes the most sense to start with a clean slate, so I'm closing out the vast majority of old submissions with an automatic pass and an invitation to resubmit with the same (or new!) material when I reopen on September 1st.

So if you've been waiting to query, please get your materials ready! Please note: in order to better stay on top of timely responses, I will initially only be open for ONE WEEK. I will then close until I've gotten through all of those initial submissions, and then reopen again. The submission form link will be: https://QueryManager.com/cmcdonald

There will also be a couple changes to the genres that I'm seeking once I reopen: I will no longer be accepting queries for middle grade or for any nonfiction. Apologies to anyone who was sitting on a project in those areas.

And final note, since the site formerly-known-as-Twitter is a collapsing cesspool, this (Tumblr) will now be my main base of operations until further notice. I won't be deleting my Twitter account (yet) and I will still post announcements when I open/close to submissions on there, but I will not be particularly active when it comes to replies or interactions. It's a better bet to send me an Ask or DM on here instead--though with the caveat that I may still not be super quick with responses due to my health issue, which limits my computer time.

Thank you for your continued interest and understanding. I'm looking forward to seeing your work!

[literallycait]

Hi! I couldn't find a definite answer to this, but since you started using query manager, do your respond to all queries? Thanks! :)

I do respond to all queries, unless they are withdrawn or are duplicates. I try to respond within 90 days but that is NOT definite so I thank everyone for being patient when that happens. 

[literallycait]

Closed to Queries

I am now closed to queries until further notice! I will be catching up on all queries and requested fulls, so if you are waiting on a response, don’t worry--it’s coming. I will update once I have an ETA for reopening queries. Thanks for your patience, everybody! 

[literallycait]

Query Queue Complete!

I have now completely cleared out my query queue! If you have not heard back from me, one of three things happened: 

Your query never reached me.

My response ended up in your spam folder.

You didn’t follow my guidelines.

Check and fix issues 2 & 3 and then feel free to resubmit to me when I reopen in November. Any queries sent before November 1st (unless requested) will be deleted. 

If you’re waiting on a full, please be patient a bit longer! I am working on completing fulls as fast as I can over the next few months.

[literallycait]

Hi Caitlin, First of all congrats on your move! I queried you on February 24th, and I read here that you tend to respond in the next two weeks, and after three I should consider that you never received my query. Is it still the case or you are just behind on your move? If I need to resend it, should I wait that you reopen in April? The subject of my query email was: QUERY: The Paradox of Deception by Marco Cultrera. You can reach me at marcocultreraATrogersDOTcom Thanks!

Hi there! I’m not sure where you read that I have a two-week turnaround--possibly a very old post? (If so, please send me the link and I’ll update it!) My standard policy is an eight-week response time, but honestly I have been behind for a while, and once behind it is hard to catch up! I am currently working through early February (and some remaining queries from November). Keep an eye on my Twitter feed for periodic updates as to where I am in my queue.