Temporarily Closing To Submissions

Due to the wildfire situation where I live in Sonoma County, California, I am closing to submissions temporarily. My family, home, and I are all safe. But we are on constant advisory for potential evacuation pending wind patterns and our community is busy with evacuees from neighboring affected areas.

Because the majority of my focus is on this new reality, I have fallen way behind. Any extra time or energy I have must be used to meet my client needs. Therefore I apologize, but I won’t be reading any submissions, including those already in my inbox, at least until the fires have been contained, and our community has begun to pick up the pieces. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.

If you do wish to withdraw your submission, please respond to the auto-response you received after you filled out the submission form. If you receive an offer of representation or publication please do keep me updated.

As of this afternoon, the situation in my neighborhood looks positive. My family and I have been lucky, but so many are not. If you are looking for a way to help, here is a gift card donation drive by a local club:

11 Comments

  • T. E. Densley

    April 26, 2018 at 11:44 am Reply

    I came here looking to submit for query, but found much more. It both saddens me to hear of the situation in Sonoma; I grew up in San Diego County, and I’m reminded of the uncertainty and aftermaths of the fires in the early 2000’s. Yet, I’ve seen such expressions of concern, understanding, and an outpouring of love both in your post and from others here in the response section. It warms my heart to see the best of humanity, in words of affirmation, and in decency and care. Your region has been in our thoughts and prayers, and you’ve shown great honor in the care of your community; I’ll most definitely be returning here with future queries once you’ve opened for submissions again…but until then, no rush. Some things are more important.

  • Aletha Wade

    January 5, 2018 at 1:20 am Reply

    Dear Mary,

    This morning I searched for agents who are interested in receiving fantasy queries, as I am new to the industry and thought this is the way one goes about it. Then and I came upon your name and was disappointed to see that you are currently closed for submission. I clicked on the reason for your brief respite and I was shocked. Living in South Africa, we have fires too, but nothing in comparison to what you are experiencing. You are in my thoughts. I pray that you and your loved ones are all safe. I will keep my eye on your website and when you are again available and ready to receive new work, I will send it on to you on your submission form.

    All the very best
    Aletha

  • Cynthia Axell

    December 27, 2017 at 11:31 am Reply

    Living in Santa Rosa, CA, I live uncomfortably close to the fires. It feels wrong to feel good about escaping tragedy when so many wonderful people were affected. It’s gonna change the face of our county forever. Just glad to hear you were okay.

    I’ll submit if and when you’re back up and running. Take care.

  • Lynn Shelley

    November 30, 2017 at 1:14 pm Reply

    Dear Mary,
    I hope that you were all kept safe!

    You saw a unicorn? When you were six? That’s not as unusual as you think.

    Emma, Dylan and Jessica have got one penned up in a stable and they’re trying to keep her hidden while they try to find out where she’s come from. Then they need to get her back home to her mother before the local newshound splashes her photo all over the front pages of the papers.

    I’m looking for an agent for my MG book and wonder if I could send you some sample chapters.
    Yours sincerely,
    Lynn Shelley

    • Mary C. Moore

      November 30, 2017 at 1:53 pm Reply

      Closed to submissions!

      • Peter Love

        December 25, 2017 at 7:36 pm Reply

        I am looking forward to when you will once again receive submissions. I would like to query you; I have a science-fiction/ fantasy story I’m trying to get published. I hope you’re safe and all.

      • Alfreda Bailey

        December 29, 2017 at 9:05 am Reply

        Hi
        We met last year. I just want to wish you and your family well. I am pretty close to the fires myself and understand how long it will take. Please take care and have a happy new year

  • Don Stannard-Friel

    October 13, 2017 at 10:54 am Reply

    Good luck, be safe.

    • Mary C. Moore

      October 14, 2017 at 3:03 pm Reply

      Thank you.

  • Chris Saper

    October 12, 2017 at 4:32 pm Reply

    Dear Mary,

    My warmest thoughts to you and your family and to all those in harm’s way. Your collective efforts to help each other are all that makes us better, and really makes us so human.

    Be safe, Chris

    • Mary C. Moore

      October 14, 2017 at 3:03 pm Reply

      Thank you for your kind words.

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