Verified · Mar 2026
"Deborah didn't just sell my book — she rebuilt my entire author platform. Within four months I had a two-book deal and 12 podcast features. Truly exceptional."
Amara Johnson
Author of The Quiet Hours
Est. America's Premier Boutique Literary Agency
Your story deserves
to be heard.
We make sure the world listens.
At McDonald Literary Group, we don't just represent books — we build author careers. From the moment your manuscript is complete to the day your book becomes a bestseller, we are with you every step of the way.
★★★★★4.9 Trustpilot
PRSA VerifiedAALA Member12+ YearsScroll
Trusted by · Featured in · Placed with
Penguin Random HouseHarperCollinsSimon & SchusterHachette Book GroupMacmillanPublishers WeeklyThe New York TimesForbes BooksKirkus ReviewsWriter's DigestPenguin Random HouseHarperCollinsSimon & SchusterHachette Book GroupMacmillanPublishers WeeklyThe New York TimesForbes BooksKirkus ReviewsWriter's Digest
12+
Years in Publishing
180+
Books Placed
40M+
Reader Reach
4.9★
Trustpilot Rating
For US Authors
Wherever you are in your journey — we built a path for you.
Aspiring writer, debut novelist, mid-list author, traditionally published, indie, or chasing a second bestseller — every stage has its own challenges and its own playbook. Find yours below.
Find Your StageWho We Are
A full-service home for authors who refuse to be overlooked.
McDonald Literary Group is a literary agency, book marketing firm, and book publicity house — founded by Deborah R. McDonald, one of publishing's most versatile advocates for authors.
We exist for one reason: to make sure no great book goes unnoticed.
In today's crowded publishing landscape, talent alone is not enough. Authors need a strategic partner who understands the full journey — from crafting the perfect query letter to securing a publishing deal, building a powerful author brand, running targeted advertising campaigns, and generating the media buzz that turns a good book into a must-read phenomenon.
We work with both fiction and non-fiction authors across every stage — debut writers taking their first steps and established authors ready to take their careers to the next level. Our approach is personal, strategic, and results-driven. We treat every book as if it were our own.
Why We're Different
Agent. Marketer. Publicist. Under one roof.
Most authors juggle multiple vendors — a separate agent, a separate marketer, a separate publicist. At McDonald Literary Group, all three live under one roof. Your message stays consistent, your strategy stays aligned, and your time stays focused on what matters most — writing.
- ✓A Literary Agent who fights for the best possible deal on your behalf.
- ✓A Book Marketer who builds your brand and drives sales across every platform.
- ✓A Book Publicist who generates the press, reviews, and media attention your book deserves.
Our Services
A complete suite built for authors.
Available as comprehensive packages or individually tailored to your specific needs. Each discipline has its own dedicated inbox, so your inquiry reaches the right specialist immediately.
📖
Literary Agent Services
We open doors — and walk through them with you.
We represent fiction and non-fiction authors, working tirelessly to connect your manuscript with the right publishers, negotiate the best possible deals, and protect your rights at every turn.
Services include
Manuscript evaluation · query letter writing · publisher submissions · contract negotiation · rights management (audio, foreign, film/TV) · royalty review · long-term career strategy.
📩 Representation inquiries
submissions@mcdonaldliterarygroup.com📣
Book Marketing Services
We build brands that sell books.
Maximize your visibility, grow your readership, and drive consistent sales across all major retail platforms — Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and beyond.
Services include
Kindle thumbnail design · Amazon A+ Content · Amazon Sponsored ads · Goodreads ads & Listopia placement · BookBub strategy · email marketing · social content · book trailer design · author website copywriting · pre-order campaigns.
📩 Marketing inquiries
marketing@mcdonaldliterarygroup.com📰
Book Publicity Services
We tell your story to the world.
A book without publicity is a secret. Our campaigns generate real media attention — press features, podcast interviews, blogger reviews, influencer placements, and more.
Services include
Press kit creation · press release writing & distribution · podcast booking · blog tours · Bookstagrammer & BookTok outreach · national & niche media pitching · review campaigns · book club outreach · award submissions · speaking engagement pitching.
📩 Publicity inquiries
deborah@mcdonaldliterarygroup.comService Packages
Five tiered packages, designed for every stage.
From your first query letter to bestseller campaigns — there's a package built for exactly where your book is right now.
I.
The Debut Author Starter
"Your First Step Into Publishing"
Best for
First-time authors ready to enter the publishing world
See what's included
II.
The Book Launch Accelerator
"Maximum Impact at Launch"
Best for
Authors with a book releasing within 60–90 days
See what's included
Most PopularIII.
The Author Platform Builder
"Build Your Brand, Grow Your Audience"
Best for
Authors who need a strong long-term digital presence
See what's included
IV.
The Bestseller Campaign
"Engineered for the Lists"
Best for
Established authors targeting USA Today, Amazon, or NYT Bestseller status
See what's included
V.
The Full-Service Literary Partnership
"White Glove, End-to-End Author Management"
Best for
Authors who want fully managed, concierge-level service
See what's included
Compare All Packages in Detail
Plus 15+ à la carte add-on services available
Meet the Founder
Deborah R. McDonald
The Woman Behind the Mission
A literary agent, book marketer, and book publicist with an unwavering commitment to helping authors succeed in an ever-evolving publishing world. As founder of McDonald Literary Group, Deborah brings a rare combination of skills that gives every author she works with a powerful competitive edge.
She specializes in representing and marketing both fiction and non-fiction titles, working closely with authors to develop not just their books, but their entire brand and career trajectory. Her approach is hands-on, her standards are high, and her passion for great storytelling is limitless.
📩 Connect with Deborah
deborah@mcdonaldliterarygroup.comYour Questions, Answered
Every concern, addressed honestly
Choosing a literary partner is one of the most important decisions in your writing career. Here's what every author wants to know — answered upfront.
Will my work be protected?
Every manuscript is treated with strict confidentiality. We sign NDAs on request and never share submissions outside our vetted publishing network.
Are there hidden fees?
Never. Our representation is commission-based — we only earn when you do. Marketing and publicity packages are quoted upfront with no surprises.
How long until I see results?
Most represented authors are submitted to publishers within 30 days. Marketing campaigns show measurable engagement within the first 60 days.
What if I'm a debut author?
We love discovering new voices. Roughly 40% of the authors we sign each year are debut writers. Talent matters more than your platform.
Will I be just another client?
Deborah personally vets every author. We deliberately keep our list small so each writer receives senior-level attention from query to publication.
Are you actually qualified?
Over a decade in publishing, AAR member standards, and a roster of clients placed with Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster.
Trusted by Authors
Reviewed & rated on Trustpilot
Hundreds of authors have entrusted their stories to McDonald Literary Group. Here's what they're saying.
4.9/ 5
Based on 287 verified reviews
Trustpilot
Verified · Feb 2026
"As a debut non-fiction author, I felt completely lost. McDonald Literary Group held my hand from manuscript to bestseller list. The publicity campaign alone was worth ten times the investment."
Dr. Marcus Webb
Author of Inherited Code
Verified · Jan 2026
"Three agencies passed on my novel. Deborah saw something in it nobody else did. Six months later it was on shelves at every major retailer. She is a true believer in her authors."
Lila Cromwell
Author of Saltwater Sundays
Verified · Dec 2025
"The combination of agent, marketer, and publicist under one roof is genius. No more chasing five different vendors. Everything is strategic, aligned, and beautifully executed."
Jordan Pierce
Author of Ledger
Begin the Conversation
Your story deserves a champion.
Tell Deborah about your project. Every inquiry is read personally and answered within 3–5 business days.
Team outreach
deborah@mcdonaldliterarygroup.com·deborah.r.mcdonaldbook@gmail.com
Submissions: submissions@mcdonaldliterarygroup.com·Marketing: marketing@mcdonaldliterarygroup.com