Partial request: They want a submission history

Libbie · Sep 3, 2009

I've just received a partial request. They want me to include a "submission history of the project." Am I correct in assuming that a submission history is just a brief comment on whether I've submitted it to other agents already? Or is this something else entirely? Help! (And thanks!)

WendyNYC · Sep 3, 2009

Libbie said:
I've just received a partial request. They want me to include a "submission history of the project." Am I correct in assuming that a submission history is just a brief comment on whether I've submitted it to other agents already? Or is this something else entirely? Help! (And thanks!)

I think they are really asking if any editors have seen your project. You can include if other agents are reading if you like. That's my guess.

Freelancer · Sep 3, 2009

Yes. Submission history can be what Wendy said. That list may contain editors, famous beta readers, but mostly other literary agencies or publishers. I guess they're interested in: are they the first in your submission list or other agencies are also meditating on your work parallel with them.

Anyway, congratulations, good luck and I cross my fingers, Libbie.

YAwriter72 · Sep 3, 2009

My guess is that they want to be sure you haven't already sent it in to a bunch of publishers already, limiting the pool they would have to submit to. I don't really think they are asking you for every agent you've sent a query to.

Straka · Sep 3, 2009

Sounds like good news to me! Though I can only guess as to what the history entails. I would assume as the others as mentioned.

Good luck!

Libbie · Sep 3, 2009

Thanks, everybody! I haven't submitted it to any editors and only seven other agents so far, and this is my first partial request. So I suppose I'll tell them that they're the first to request a partial, and that's that!

(I'm trying not to get too excited. This is an agent from my top four dream-agent list, but who knows what they'll think of my actual prose. They may hate my voice. Some people do.)

suki · Sep 3, 2009

Libbie said:
Thanks, everybody! I haven't submitted it to any editors and only seven other agents so far, and this is my first partial request. So I suppose I'll tell them that they're the first to request a partial, and that's that!

(I'm trying not to get too excited. This is an agent from my top four dream-agent list, but who knows what they'll think of my actual prose. They may hate my voice. Some people do.)

Actually, I wouldn't even be as specific as they are the first to request a partial, because it takes the heat off them and weakens your position. My understanding is the question is really about editors - hence, submissions, as opposed to query.

So, I would tell them that you have queried other agents, but that you have not queried or shown the manuscript to any editors. I think that would suffice.

good luck.

~suki

Freelancer · Sep 3, 2009

If you haven't submitted to anyone before, that's also a good news. Some agency likes if they're the first one.

Again, Good luck.

waylander · Sep 3, 2009

Most agents would assume that other agents will have seen it, what they really want to know about is editors/publishers. One line stating that 'the novel has not been submitted to any publishers' should cover it.

Libbie · Sep 3, 2009

Thanks! Waylander, I think I will use that exact sentence. I hope you don't mind.

Partial request: They want a submission history

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

WendyNYC

fiddle-dee-dee

Freelancer

YAwriter72

someone let me off this crazy ride

Straka

Bored Fanatic

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

suki

Opinionated

Freelancer

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar