What does exclusivity mean (Exactly)?

chimita · Mar 3, 2009

Hi!
I wanted to know if exclusivity meant having the first option?
I have my ms on an exclusive basis with an agent, if he offers rep. I'd accept, so he has the first option. Said this, would it be unethical to send the ms to another agent that requested it?

What do you think? would you send the ms to the 2nd agent meanwhile?
Or would you mail the 2nd agent saying that you have it on an exclusive basis and that he will have to wait?
But that leaves me with another question:
If the 2nd agent knows he would read the ms only if it's declined, wouldn't it be a turn down if he receives it after a while?

Thanks for reading

KTC · Mar 3, 2009

Exclusivity means they want to be the only agent reviewing it. You would be going against the agreement to send it to another agent. Having said this, people do it all the time. I guess it's a moral decision.

chimita · Mar 3, 2009

Thanks KTC, I'll keep that in mind

Fulk · Mar 3, 2009

KTC said:
Exclusivity means they want to be the only agent reviewing it. You would be going against the agreement to send it to another agent. Having said this, people do it all the time. I guess it's a moral decision.

Of course, they say publishing is a very small world, and if two agents were to find out they both had a manuscript that was supposed to be exclusive, it might damage that author's chances of being published. Some may choose to do it, but I don't think it's worth it.

chimita · Mar 3, 2009

Thanks Fulk, that's very wise. I don't think it's worth it either.
What do you think it's the best to do in that case? Tell agent number 2 to wait? wouldn't that be a turn down?
thanks!

scope · Mar 3, 2009

If you haven't given the first agent a time frame for exclusivity, you should. You don't want to be waiting for what could be months on end for a decision and be unable to submit to others. Perhaps the agent states in her guidelines how long the period will be?
If not, I think 8 weeks is more than fair. Communicate with her.

KTC · Mar 3, 2009

Fulk said:
Of course, they say publishing is a very small world, and if two agents were to find out they both had a manuscript that was supposed to be exclusive, it might damage that author's chances of being published. Some may choose to do it, but I don't think it's worth it.

I agree with you completely.

chimita · Mar 4, 2009

HE told me 4 weeks. Then maybe I don't tell anything to agent Number 2 and just send it if agent 1 declines, or the 4 weeks pass?
And thanks again!

KTC · Mar 4, 2009

chimita said:
HE told me 4 weeks. Then maybe I don't tell anything to agent Number 2 and just send it if agent 1 declines, or the 4 weeks pass?
And thanks again!

Agent number 2 doesn't know that you're not off on a month long tropical cruise, right. I got a request for a full and didn't send it in for 3 weeks. I don't think the agent think you're hitting refresh on your inbox waiting for their request. Life happens too.

chimita · Mar 4, 2009

Great Then!!!
I'm on a "tropical cruise" (I wish, LOL)
Thanks KTC, I think that's exactly what I wanted to hear

scope · Mar 4, 2009

If no positive reply from agent 1 after 4 weeks send a letter (email) noting that the exclusivity period has expired. Don't say much else,and certainly don't say that you are withdrawing the manuscript from her consideration. The following day send it off to agent number 2.

chimita · Mar 11, 2009

Thanks scope, I'll do that.
The 4 week period last until Friday. I'm crossing my fingers for a positive answer

What does exclusivity mean (Exactly)?

chimita

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

chimita

Fulk

Occasional Contributer

chimita

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

chimita

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

chimita

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

chimita