Working with agents

samcollie · Aug 26, 2008

Hello
A writer friend suggested I send my finished manuscript to an agent. I did a lot of research, found one that seemed to be a good fit with my material, and sent it in. I was surprised to find a response within a working day, which was fairly a terse, somewhat unprofessional 'no'.
I've dealt with lots of editors and received many rejections before, and they don't bother me, but I've found they're usually a bit more polished. I'm wondering if: a)agents generally have a bit of an attitude or b) I just picked the wrong one.
I'm also wondering if the fact that she looked at my material so quickly says anything about her (not much on her plate?)
Just wanted to get some other insight, before I send to other agents.
thanks

maggieuc · Aug 26, 2008

samcollie said:
Hello
A writer friend suggested I send my finished manuscript to an agent. I did a lot of research, found one that seemed to be a good fit with my material, and sent it in. I was surprised to find a response within a working day, which was fairly a terse, somewhat unprofessional 'no'.
I've dealt with lots of editors and received many rejections before, and they don't bother me, but I've found they're usually a bit more polished. I'm wondering if: a)agents generally have a bit of an attitude or b) I just picked the wrong one.
I'm also wondering if the fact that she looked at my material so quickly says anything about her (not much on her plate?)
Just wanted to get some other insight, before I send to other agents.
thanks

You probably got a terse response b/c agents don't like to receive unsolicited manuscripts. That's a big no-no. You need to send out query letters, or proposal packages (depending on the type of book) and the agent will let you know if they'd like to see more. The agent probably didn't look at your manuscript.

samcollie · Aug 26, 2008

That could be, but this agent's web site said she welcomed new writers, asked for a one page summary and the first 3 chapters, so that's what I'd sent.

maggieuc · Aug 26, 2008

samcollie said:
That could be, but this agent's web site said she welcomed new writers, asked for a one page summary and the first 3 chapters, so that's what I'd sent.

Ah. Did you include a query letter? Some agents will send you a very short "no thanks", and though it's not the norm it certainly isn't unusual for an agent to respond so quickly. Generally (if you look at some of the other threads) the writers on AW are grateful when an agent responds on the same day. It means you can check them off of your list and move on to the next one! I suggest that you dig in, and start sending out queries by the bucketful.

Manderley · Aug 26, 2008

It's ONE agent, you cannot generalise about a whole profession from one encounter. You met one who maybe didn't like your writing/who had a bad day/who read your mss as the last of 75 queries that day.

That she could give you such a quick answer tells you really only one thing: that your material was not for her. From all the agent blogs I have read, I've learned this much: agents and editors don't spend hours upon hours reviewing each query they get. You have a few seconds to capture their interest. If you capture their interest, you have a few minutes to make sure you hold it so they ask you for a full.

Clair Dickson · Aug 26, 2008

And rule number two: query widely. Just as you wouldn't expect to put your fishing rod in the water and get a fish the first time (hour) out, don't expect to get the ONE agent you 'decided on.'

This is a business full of different flavors. Query widely. Be prepared to send queries to dozens of agents. Research them for what they want and like to narrow it down, but prepare to send out lots of queries. (Small batches is usually best, so you can make tweaks and changes if you realize or learn something is off.)

If only we could send our stuff to the one agent we think is perfect... and that be the end of it. It's not called Query Hell because it's fun. Best of luck.

James D. Macdonald · Aug 26, 2008

Agents vary. By the time you've queried a hundred you'll have a better idea of the range.

And remember, any answer other than "Yes" is "No."

Marathonodromos · Aug 26, 2008

maggieuc said:
You need to send out query letters, or proposal packages (depending on the type of book) and the agent will let you know if they'd like to see more.

Is there a standart form of a query letter and a proposal package? Can you please post an example?

MarkEsq · Aug 26, 2008

Marathonodromos said:
Is there a standart form of a query letter and a proposal package? Can you please post an example?

A quick google search will turn up plenty of examples. Also, check this site's Share Your Work forum to see how we carve up each other's queries to make them better.

a_sharp · Aug 26, 2008

Rejection can come from a variety of reasons, none of which the agent has time or inclination to explain. Rejection does not necessarily reflect the quality of your writing.

Agents usually are connected to a small number of publishing editors with which they have associations, experience, prior success. They try to tap into what those people say is hot in the market, what types of story they are looking for. That can considerably narrow the field of what's "acceptable" at the time your query arrives. It's not always about the agent's mood or personality, but what fits their hit list today.

Still, a well-written query can pull them off that track if the story sounds compelling enough to move on to sample chapters. I've received the gamut of rejections from terse "no thanks" to a polite referral to another agent.

Count this swift rejection as an opportunity to narrow your field to the "yes" awaiting your work.

Phaeal · Aug 26, 2008

Heck, getting a "No" is good. Wait until you email query one of those agents who thinks that no reply = No is acceptable, leaving you the perpetually hopeful writer dangling forever! ("Gee, it's only been four years since I queried X. Surely he'll catch up on his email soon?")

samcollie · Aug 26, 2008

Thanks for the tips - I suppose there is a bright side to such a fast reply! Since I'd only queried editors before, I'm used to the waiting game. Agents are a whole new world to me.

Gillhoughly · Aug 26, 2008

At least the agent DID reply.

Get used to the NO thing. All writers go through it. This is where you thicken up your hide for playing with the big kids.

Look for writers who have books similar to your own and check their websites to see if they mention their agent. A polite query in that area might give you some good names.

I got the wonderful response, "You're a good writer but unpublishable." It made me so mad I rewrote the whole book. Two more tries & it sold.

Work on your next two books so your head doesn't explode.

Good luck!

Cato · Aug 26, 2008

I'm no where near the query process, but I was wondering if it is standard procedure to write one query letter template and copy/paste each agent's name into the "Dear ______" field, and send to a bunch of agents all at once?

JeanneTGC · Aug 26, 2008

Cato said:
I'm no where near the query process, but I was wondering if it is standard procedure to write one query letter template and copy/paste each agent's name into the "Dear ______" field, and send to a bunch of agents all at once?

Be really careful with that approach -- it's very easy to screw up and it also "feels" generic -- and you're sending to people who read for a living.

Query letters should be targeted to each agent. It's more work, yes. But, this is your writing career we're talking about.

As others have said, the SYW forum here is a great place to see queries "live" and being improved.

bethany · Aug 26, 2008

And if you send to a bunch at once, as in cc-ing it, and they can see the other recipients, probably an automatic reject. They know most authors are querying other agents, but if you can't even send individual emails, they aren't going to be impressed.

triceretops · Aug 26, 2008

Another word of caution: When someone recommends an agent, do not make the mistake of contacting said agent and implying that it was a referral of some type. Especially if your friend was not a client of said agency. I can't think of anything that would tick an agent off more than that. Not saying you did. But I'll bet it happens.

Tri

stormie · Aug 26, 2008

Never, ever, cc it. Send one to specifically targeted agents with a mention of where you saw them and what they rep. A great query does open doors. As does a great manuscript.

Nateskate · Aug 26, 2008

I also hated "No". It didn't matter if it was short or eloquent. It still feels like rejection.

Judg · Aug 26, 2008

"No" is not unprofessional in any way. Most agents easily get 100 queries a week, sometimes several times that. All you are going to get from the vast majority (who take the time to answer) is a simple no or a form letter. Just keep querying. And you might want to start reading a few agent blogs to get a better feel of how the industry works.

stormie · Aug 26, 2008

Judg said:
And you might want to start reading a few agent blogs to get a better feel of how the industry works.

Yep.

Cato · Aug 26, 2008

JeanneTGC said:
Be really careful with that approach -- it's very easy to screw up and it also "feels" generic -- and you're sending to people who read for a living.

Query letters should be targeted to each agent. It's more work, yes. But, this is your writing career we're talking about.

As others have said, the SYW forum here is a great place to see queries "live" and being improved.

Alright cool, wasn't planning on using that method down the road, but it's good to know.

blacbird · Aug 26, 2008

This thread brings up the question:

Is there anything you can do that isn't a mistake in dealing with agents?

caw

dawinsor · Aug 27, 2008

blacbird said:
This thread brings up the question:

Is there anything you can do that isn't a mistake in dealing with agents?

caw

Politeness and professionalism.

Carmy · Aug 27, 2008

Treat a query the way you would treat a job application. Would you send out a job ap. with ccs to other companies showing?

Be polite and professional. Do EXACTLY as they ask you. Agents differ in their requiements.

I've sent out loads of queries and the replies have always been pleasant. Only one agent let down the side by being a bitch.

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