In Need of Advice

[ThetProf]

I have a good problem but being a newbie I wanted to get as much info as possible before making a faux pas. I attended a writers conference this past weekend, pitched to an agent (the most God-awful pitch imaginable) but she was very kind, asked several questions about my ms. and then asked for the first two chapters. My question is when I email the chapters do I a) write a brief email reminding her of her interest in the project and "here are the chapters you requested"; b) send the chapters with a query letter geared to the specific agent; c) send a "partial" letter. If the latter, what would that be? Query letters I understand, but didn't know if this situation called for something different. Thanks in advance for your advice.:)

[MeredithD]

First off, congratulations! That's great news.

Second, definitely this option:

write a brief email reminding her of her interest in the project and "here are the chapters you requested"

Title the email descriptively (e.g., RE: PARTIAL REQUEST or something along those lines) and be as specific as you can in the body of the email. So, something like, I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you at the _____ Conference on [Exact Date]. Attached are the two chapters you requested during our meeting. Title, wordcount, succinct reminder of the premise, and you're done!

Again, congrats!

[Stacia Kane]

First off, congratulations! That's great news.

Second, definitely this option:



Title the email descriptively (e.g., RE: PARTIAL REQUEST or something along those lines) and be as specific as you can in the body of the email. So, something like, I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you at the _____ Conference on [Exact Date]. Attached are the two chapters you requested during our meeting. Title, wordcount, succinct reminder of the premise, and you're done!

Again, congrats!


Dittoing all of this! :)

I'd add that if you guys talked about something else, like to break the ice, you should mention it. You could also say something like, after the part about appreciating it, "I was so nervous, but you really made me feel comfortable," or whatever. You don't have to, I just like to do stuff like that, personally.

And a definite "thanks again for your interest, and for your time," or whatever. But definitely a thanks, and an "again it was great to meet you" kind of line.

You could also title the email RE PARTIAL REQUEST FROM (CONFERENCE) to help clarify further in the subject line. I've heard some agents say that emails just headed REQUEST make them a bit cautious, because it's not at all unusual to have people send partials or fulls and lie about the agent having requested it. Putting the name of the con in the subject line will help her know what to expect, and it may make her open your email faster than some other partial request, you know?


Good luck!

[Starry eyed]

I would definately put in that you met the agent at the conference and also the date etc.

Good luck x

[ThetProf]

MeridethD, Stacia Kane, and Starry eyed - Thank you so much for your advice! Having made mistakes before regarding contacting agents, I knew I needed to ask people who were knowledgeable and that I could count on you guys to steer me straight. You are so appreciated!

[Wildflower90]

Coming in a bit late after the fact but I am intrigued as to how you got on? I am a romance writer too but live in England so we don't have any romantic conferences more's the pity but I am very impressed that you pitched to an agent, even if it was "God-awful"! I don't know whether I'd have had the guts. Hope you received positive feedback on it and are even now on the precipice of being signed!