Request for Partial

[zarch]

I got my second request for a partial today (from an established AAR agent), and I have two questions:

1) She wants to know if any other agents have seen my material. There is one other agent who currently has a partial. Shoud I mention that to the current agent, or do you think she's talking specifically about the whole manuscript? I'm leaning toward telling her that someone else has a partial.

2) She asked about my writing credits. Uh...I have none. I was nominated/a finalist for two college-sponsored writing awards (but didn't win either) as an undergraduate student (like eight years ago). Should I mention these? I have a degree in Literature, but I'm not sure that necessarily automatically makes me better-equipped to write fiction than the next guy (especially in the eyes of an agent).

Thanks for any advice!

[alaskamatt17]

I would mention those, but that's just me, and I'm not published yet so don't put a lot of weight on my advice.

[Aconite]

Zarch--w00t! Good on you!

1) Why not ask what she means?
2) I wouldn't, myself. Having no writing credits isn't going to count against you, but tiny ones look embarrassing huddled by themselves on the page. *g*.

[victoriastrauss]

1) She wants to know if any other agents have seen my material.I'd tell her that someone else has a partial. You don't have to say who.

2) She asked about my writing credits. Uh...I have none. I was nominated/a finalist for two college-sponsored writing awards (but didn't win either) as an undergraduate student (like eight years ago). Should I mention these?No. It's a nice honor, but not a writing credit. Just say you don't have any professional credits yet. There's no shame in that--plenty of people sell books without ever having previously published a word.

Good luck!

- Victoria

[zarch]

for the advice! I will tell this agent that one other agent has a partial...and that I've not got a publishing history...BUT that I'm currently working on my next novel.

Thanks again!