Exclusive requested...can I delay this?

fsr44 · May 15, 2006

Hi...I'm new so forgive me if I shouldn't be posting this here. I did a search but didn't find the answer. I have several partials out at the moment. Another agent just requested a partial on exclusive. Obviously, I can't offer that. Would it be OK to ask this agent if I can submit the partial exclusively at a later date, assuming I'm not offered representation by one of the agents reading it at present? Or have I just missed the boat with this agent?
Thank you. And thank you to all of you who have contributed to this valuable resource. I'm so happy to have found it!

Richard · May 15, 2006

Not usually a good idea to say: "No thanks, but I'll get back to you if nobody else bites!"

I'd go with a polite variant of "I'm afraid it's already doing the rounds, but could I send it to you anyway?"

Aconite · May 15, 2006

Exclusive on a partial? Hunh.

If I was willing to comply, I'd politely explain that I couldn't offer an exclusive at this time, and ask the agent if he preferred to wait until I could offer an exclusive or to receive the MS on a non-exclusive basis.

stormie · May 15, 2006

Hi fsr, and welcome to the boards! (The best place to post this question would be in the Ask The Agent forum.) Anyway, while you're here, I'll give an answer. Tell the agent he/she can have the partial but partials are also out at other agencies and you can't grant an exclusive at this time. Usually, esp. for a partial, the agent will just give you the go-ahead to send it anyway.

RoccoMom · May 15, 2006

i learned something today. I thought agents only asked for exclusives on full ms, not partials.

Tilly · May 15, 2006

I've queried a few who wanted exclusives on partials, but fortunately that information was in their guidelines and I could make sure I didn't have any other subs out at the time.

Most don't ask for exclusives on partials.

fsr44 · May 15, 2006

Thank you all! I think I will go with aconite's advice and hope for the best.

victoriastrauss · May 15, 2006

I think this more properly belongs in "Ask the Agent," so I'm moving it there. - Victoria

fsr44 · May 15, 2006

Thank you for moving this, Victoria. I'm sorry I posted it in the wrong place. Chalk it up to being a newbie.
I took Aconite's advice and the agent replied "let's just wait."

victoriastrauss · May 15, 2006

No problem!

- Victoria

Exclusive requested...can I delay this?

fsr44

Richard

13th Triskaidekaphobe

Aconite

stormie

storm central

RoccoMom

Tilly

fsr44

victoriastrauss

Writer Beware Goddess

fsr44

victoriastrauss

Writer Beware Goddess