The papers in MS 5612 document Roger McDonald's activities as an editor, poet and novelist and his relations with publishers, film producers, the ABC and literary editors. The bulk of the collection comprises papers relating to most of McDonald's published works, dating from his first publication in 1968 up until 1994. Papers include research material, edited drafts, correspondence with editors and publishers and reviews he has written. They provide a good insight into the development of his published writings. During the course of his career, McDonald has corresponded with many other writers, including Murray Bail, Bruce Beaver, Bruce Dawe, Geoffrey Dutton, Gwen Harwood, Shirley Hazzard, David Malouf, Les Murray, Thomas Shapcott, R.A. Simpson and Judith Wright. Also included in the collection is research material for a number of McDonald's literary projects, business papers, papers relating to his work as literary editor for University of Queensland Press, photographs and newspaper clippings.