Agent Interview: Malaga Baldi Go to the listing List all agent interviews Edit answers (agent only) Describe what you're looking for in 25 characters or less.Makes me wanna danceMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 09 November 2025What other agents do you admire most?Binky UrbanBetsy Lerner Jennifer LyonsLynn NesbitMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026Who are your favorite authors?Elizabeth StroutJohn IrvingJohn FowlesMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026What sets you apart from other agents who look at the same type of material?IndependenceMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026What is the best advice you can give someone who is considering submitting work to you?Review my websiteTell the truthStay the courseMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026Describe the ideal query letter.Makes me want to get in touch with writer ASAP to find out what happens/happened.Malaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026Describe the ideal manuscript.Takes me to a place I have never been before.Malaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?They have not reviewed my website.Because you experienced and write about an event, doesn’t mean it is artful.Writing is a craft.Practice practice practice.Read read read.Edit edit edit.Read your work aloud.It takes time to read.No means no.Malaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?What made them want to write this book.Malaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026How much of a manuscript do you read before making the decision to reject it?I can tell fairly early on if it is for me.My challenge is that there are many manuscripts circling 'round me. I have trouble finding time to read, setting aside time to read is a struggle. Reviewing queries is easy—- many are passed on/rejected with my form note.Spending time considering a manuscript for representation takes time. These are the factors involved in my process: Do I love it enough to send it out 30+ times? (1-3 years?)How does it fit on my list? Is it valuable/important enough contribution for the world of readers?& the most important is value:Does my love of the book = My time/work/ $ /happiness/ accountant factor make it worthwhile?I WILL NEVER KNOWMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026Once you decide to represent someone's work, what is the process?We talk on the phone or meet in person.Talk about dirty laundry/no crazies.Establish best ways of communication, nuts and bolts etcSign an agent author agreement.Discuss strategy for book/proposal.Ask them what is their wish for in an ideal agent/author relationship.Ask them to write down their idea of success.SubmissionMalaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026What is a day in the life of an agent like for you?I work every day for at least 5 hours all week. Even on vacation. One person operation. Buck stops with me. Reading is fundamental but takes time. I wish I could add on another reading day to the 7 day week.Malaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026How do you promote your clients?I am not a publicist nor an editor. I have a website. Some clients hire publicists for book promotion launches. Publishers are doing the best they can. Some publishers are better than others. I do what I can in the best possible way for each book. Publishers are very concerned about the writer's presence on social media and their platform.Malaga Baldi, Reader at Baldi Agency on 10 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only