A few minutes ago, I recieved an email from an agent at Browne and Miller requesting a full manuscript. They have asked for an exclusive. I have several queries (four, I think) still floating around out there that I would be happy to withdraw. Most of them have been out for awhile, Browne and Miller was the most recent query I sent out. What I am wondering is, will it hurt my chances to say that I have several queries out there? Obviously, I'm not going to lie and tell them that they can have an exclusive if they can't, but I don't want to blow this chance! Should I just withdraw the last of my queries and start from scratch again if I am rejected by Browne and Miller? HELP?????
Asking for an exclusive, HELP!
- Thread starter YAKara75
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Telling them they can have an exclusive means they have the first and only shot. Just be sure to set a deadline for when the exclusive ends and you can send out new queries. If another agent you queried earlier responds to you with a request, just let them know about the exclusive, and that you would be happy to send them the request if the exclusive rejects the MS.
Hope that helps!
Hope that helps!
unless you have the manuscript at another agency, I am pretty sure you can offer this agency the exclusive. Having queries out, but no material is ok. If another agency asks for the MS while you have offered the exclusive, then you simply explain to them the situation.
Other's will pop in and correct me ifI am wrong
Other's will pop in and correct me ifI am wrong
If you can avoid it, do. If not, give them a timeline (2-3 weeks is reasonable) I see some ask for months and that is totally unacceptable.
I had 2 requests for exclusives and I had to tell them both I couldn't because it was out with other agents and they both still took it (And one was the agent who signed me 3 days later)
You just have to go with your gut. If this request is from the first batch of queries you sent out, chances are you'll get more and having to say, sorry, I can't for x number of weeks/months would be tough!
I had 2 requests for exclusives and I had to tell them both I couldn't because it was out with other agents and they both still took it (And one was the agent who signed me 3 days later)
You just have to go with your gut. If this request is from the first batch of queries you sent out, chances are you'll get more and having to say, sorry, I can't for x number of weeks/months would be tough!
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I've had other requests, just not exclusives and I'm not completely sure how to handle it all. Thanks for all the advice!
Everyone is right. You don't have to withdraw the queries, or worry that having other queries out will ruin your chances. Agents assume you have other queries out. Just give them a timeline, and if you get another request in the meantime, let that new agent know about the exclusive, and that you'll send them your book as soon as it's up.
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Tell the agent you already have materials with others, but send the manuscript along anyway. I've rarely heard of an agent who didn't accept it under such circumstances. After all, they are interested. Asking for an exclusive is just a convenience for them. If they are interested, they will read it anyway.
Of course, if this is terribly misguided advice, someone say so.
Of course, if this is terribly misguided advice, someone say so.
If you really desire to be represented by the agency requesting the exclusive, there's no reason why you can't give it to them. I'd send them an email granting the exclusive, but for no more than 2-3 weeks. I don't think you have to tell them your have queries out to other agencies as I'm sure they realize that you do. As for the other agencies queried, for the moment I wouldn't do anything. They also understand that you sent queries to other agencies. Should one or more request your material prior to the expiration of the exclusive, just tell them the truth and that you'll get get to them a/s/a/p.
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*IF* you already have materials (not queries!!) out then this is excellent advice!!
w00t!
I'm of the viewpoint that exclusives suck, but if B&M are one of your preferred agencies, then there's no harm in granting one. The key is to specify the duration in advance. Personally, I'd be inclined to give them 6 weeks maximum as that should give them more than enough time to read the full if they're serious. However I know that some agents want exclusives of up to 3 months.
No - as everyone else has said, agents will assume you're querying elsewhere. If you're minded to grant B&M the exclusive, then tell them that you're currently waiting to hear from 4 other agencies and if they request a full manuscript, then you want to reserve the right to be able to send it to them. However, you will not send the manuscript to anyone else.
Good luck.
MM
You don't have to withdraw the queries. Send the manuscript, offer the exclusive, but only for 2-3 weeks, IF you are sure this is someone you'd like to work with. If they haven't responded in the timeframe you've given, submit elsewhere if you get requests from the other queries.
Exclusives are ridiculous, in my opinion. As if we don't wait enough in this crazy business. Don't give your power away and tie up your manuscript for months and months!!
Exclusives are ridiculous, in my opinion. As if we don't wait enough in this crazy business. Don't give your power away and tie up your manuscript for months and months!!
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Do you mean requests for materials? Does an agent currently have your partial or full?
Renee Collins...I have had requests for partials, but they have been ultimately rejected. Right now, all I have floating around out there are queries. Thanks to everyone for the advice!
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