Requerying agents

Judg · Jul 23, 2009

I had an agent but decided to part ways with him before he shopped the manuscript around. Now I would like to query some agents over again, ones who hadn't rejected it the first time around. I sent emails to them after accepting representation stating that I was withdrawing my MS from consideration.

In their cases, I figure I absolutely have to mention that I've parted ways with my original agent. Any suggestions on how to go about this? I don't want to diss my former agent, but I also don't want them to think he dumped me.

Dear Agent:

I queried you earlier with this project, but withdrew it from consideration after accepting representation elsewhere. I have since decided to part ways with that agent, and am submitting this to your attention again.

Something like that?

scope · Jul 23, 2009

I think this deserves a little more thought and discussion. I don't read the situation to be as black and white as sounds.

I'm not so sure you should mention that you've parted ways with your agent when re-querying the other agents you mention. I'm not implying that you lie to anyone, or hide the actual facts, only that you think about when to release the information. And yes, if one of these other agents is interested in representing you, I think you certainly have to tell them everything, whether or not you are asked.

For me, I would hope there might be a way you could avoid starting these new queries on a negative or questionable note. And towards that end I think it's important to take into account the length of time your former agent represented you and how long it's been since you wrote the other agents and withdrew your work from their consideration. If it's been a while, lets say at least one year, most probably forgot about the entire incident. You could let them judge your work and advise you if interested in representing you. If so, that might be a better time to bring up the situation. I don't doubt that many here feel that it's best to be honest and up-front from the start, and ethically I agree. However, in this situation a bending of the rules might be appropriate.

Just a thought, just a twist, rather than saying "do the right thing" -- which we always seem to do. Curious to see how other posters think.

Best of luck.

Danthia · Jul 24, 2009

I think any agent you withdrew the MS from you might need to explain the situation to when your query (what you said sounds fine to me, though I'd drop the "decided to" since that makes it sound like you're still with them and looking elsewhere. Make it clear you are no longer with them). My thoughts are since you already sent them the MS, and then withdrew it, they'll wonder why the heck you're sending it again. Things happen, so they'll understand. Of course, you might also mention that no editor saw it (none did, correct?) They probably won't be keen to take on a project that's already been shopped. If it hasn't, let them know to ease their mind.

Brand new agents who have never seen the work before, query normally. If you get to the offer stage you can discuss your agent history with them then.

scope · Jul 24, 2009

Danthia said:
Brand new agents who have never seen the work before, query normally. If you get to the offer stage you can discuss your agent history with them then.

My bad if your now former agent never shopped your manuscript. If that's the case, I fully agree with Danthia.

Judg · Jul 24, 2009

No, it hasn't been shopped and it's been less than a year. In one case, there was even some back and forth communication. That's why I feel obliged to mention it, because I think there's a good chance they might recognize the query letter, at least if it sparked any interest in them at all.

Brand new queries don't mention the former agent at all. There's no need at this stage of the game. If they offer representation I'll mention it, but because it hasn't been shopped I don't think there's any practical or ethical reason to do so.

It's just the ones who could very well recognize the query. I think it's better if there's an explanation there.

Danthia, thanks for pointing out the ambiguous wording to me. I'll find a better way to express it.

melaniehoo · Jul 24, 2009

Good luck to you, Judg. I think you've gotten good advice here (my gut reaction was that what you have in the OP sounds fine).

I hope you find an agent you love! :Hug2:

Judg · Jul 24, 2009

How does this sound?

Dear Agent:

I queried you earlier with this project, but withdrew it from consideration after accepting representation elsewhere. I have since terminated my agreement with that agent, and am submitting this to your attention again. It has not been submitted to editors.

melaniehoo · Jul 24, 2009

I think that sounds perfect.

Good luck.

Danthia · Jul 25, 2009

Sounds good to me.

scope · Jul 25, 2009

Very good.

Laura Lond · Jul 25, 2009

Yes, I like it as well. Sounds clear and professional. Best of luck!!

Requerying agents

Judg

DISENCHANTED coming soon

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

Danthia

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

Judg

DISENCHANTED coming soon

melaniehoo

And thus we begin the edits

Judg

DISENCHANTED coming soon

melaniehoo

And thus we begin the edits

Danthia

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

Laura Lond