How long to be patient on partial request

[tadbartlett]

Had a request for a partial and synopsis the day after emailing query to an agent. It has now been three weeks since I sent the requested materials. I am not opposed to being patient, but I am, naturally, antsy about this. What's the reasonable period to cool my heels patiently before sending a brief and polite follow-up email to the agent?

[callalily61]

Unless their QueryTracker entry says something specific (like 8 weeks), then send a polite nudge at the 3-month mark.

You're continuing to query while waiting, yes?

[tadbartlett]

Yes, sounds like I'm performing appropriately. Am on QueryTracker (no contrary info there), and have been continuing to query. Thanks for the thoughts. It's good to have confirmation that I'm doing things right (even if I would have preferred an answer that was "three weeks is plenty of time!").

Have a good weekend.

[RBSHoo]

I'd agree that 3 months is the minimum.

[blacbird]

Had a request for a partial and synopsis the day after emailing query to an agent. It has now been three weeks since I sent the requested materials.

Three weeks is maybe two heartbeats in the time-frame of an agent. After maybe three months, you have the right to inquire, politely, about the status of the submission.

After three years, you can probably assume the worst, and move on.

caw

[Jamesaritchie]

Unless guidelines state longer, there's no point in waiting more than two months before inquiring. From my experience, this is what most agents and editors suggest, and it's the time frame those agents and editors who only respond if interested usually suggest.

[Phaeal]

Meh, unless a partial is an exclusive, I wait two months before nudging. On a full, I'd wait at least three months. Twelve years of subbing short stories (some of those 12 year old subs are still out there) have taught me patience.