Pitching novels in different genres

First train out of the station.

Assuming that both novels are equally awesome...

From what I've seen, you'd be hard-pressed to find an agent who works in both of these genres. I could be wrong. It's happened before, frequently. On top of that, querying one novel at a time is the way it's generally "done" - once you secure an agent, that's the time to say "by the way, I have this other completed novel that isn't in a genre you represent - would you like to take a look at it anyway?"

But during the actual querying process, I would say send out queries for both of them, separately, to different agents. Querying takes soooo long, you might as well give yourself every possible advantage in the arena of time.

Then, when you get an offer, you can say "I also have this other novel, blah blah etc."

One caveat: if you plan on writing more novels in one genre or the other, that's the one I'd concentrate on. An agent will probably want to see more of the same genre from you, at least in the beginning (though most will also take a look at your other work, too).

Clear as mud? Good.

If you want to think long-term, try to focus on agents who represent both (although that might be difficult!). Or just choose your favorite and focus on that. Chances are, your contract won't allow you to have two different agents unless you just sign for YA/children's material.

popmuze said:

I plan to write more novels in whatever genre I can get published in. Under different names if necessary.

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Then definitely query 'em both, individually to different agents, at the same time.

Happy hunting!

I was pitching three novels to agents in the same package, until I got a handwritten note on the bottom of a rejection letter that said, "By the way you should only pitch one at a time."

If you write in several genres, I'd query good agents who handle a wide range of genres. Pitch the better manuscript.

There's a recipe for rabbit stew that Lawrance Block often writes/talks about. The first line of the recipe is "First, catch a rabbit."

I think it's best to worry about selling one novel in one genre before moving on to something else. Otherwise, you dilute your talent, dilute your name presence, dilute the time you have to spend shopping for that one perfect agent for the one perfect book, and give yourself several learning curves instead of just one.

There's plenty of time after you sell a novel to worry about other genres and other agents. In fact, the publisher who buys that one book, and the success, or lack thereof, of that one book you do sell, often determines where and when and how you'll be able to write something else in another genre.

Jamesaritchie said:

There's a recipe for rabbit stew that Lawrance Block often writes/talks about. The first line of the recipe is "First, catch a rabbit."

I think it's best to worry about selling one novel in one genre before moving on to something else. Otherwise, you dilute your talent, dilute your name presence, dilute the time you have to spend shopping for that one perfect agent for the one perfect book, and give yourself several learning curves instead of just one.

There's plenty of time after you sell a novel to worry about other genres and other agents. In fact, the publisher who buys that one book, and the success, or lack thereof, of that one book you do sell, often determines where and when and how you'll be able to write something else in another genre.

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But he's saying he has 2 novels, in 2 genres, already completed. He's already caught 2 rabbits. Your quote sounds more like it's about querying before you finish anything.

So, in this situation, is the advice to query only one of novel at a time still valid, given the amount of time it takes to go through the process? Having 2 complete novels means he's not necessarily moving in a linear manner.