Success Story Interview - Mary Maeve McGeorge
An Interview with Mary Maeve McGeorge (marymaevemcgeorge on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Courtney Paganelli of Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency.
12/19/2025
- QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
It's TELL ME LIES meets NORMAL PEOPLE. About a girl who wrote a book about her ex who must now face the fallout of her fiance realizing her book was never fiction. - QT: How long have you been writing?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
I wrote my first book when I was seven years old, but started taking writing seriously in college. I queried my first novel in 2017. My second novel in 2021. My third novel in 2022. And now, in 2025, after taking my sweet time on this novel, I've finally found my literary home. - QT: How long have you been working on this book?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
I queried a version of this book back in 2021, received 12 full requests and 12 full rejections. I shelved the manuscript, then after a few years off had an idea for how to revise the book that made it, in my opinion, so much cooler. I took my time editing and revising, then ultimately received three offers in less than a month. - QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
Nope. Writing has always been my favorite thing in the world. I can't imagine me without it, and always knew that one day it would happen. - QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
51 total. I received 15 full requests and three offers. - QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
The agent I ended up choosing had truly the coolest ideas for how to level-up my book. I knew if I signed with her, she'd make sure I never released a boring book. - QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?
- Mary Maeve McGeorge:
Don't give up, and listen to the rejections you're getting. Could be a form of protection from you releasing a book that's not ready. You'd rather take your time publishing the best possible novel you can, than rush to debut just to debut.