Query question

Troilee · Jul 28, 2006

Okay, let me explain this before I get to my question. At school last term we had a couple editors and an agent come through. The students who had completed mss were given individual pitch sessions with the pro of their choice. The rest of us sent in 1-2 page synopsis or start of our WIPs to the pro of our choice. The pro read them prior to coming out and we had a group session where she went through each one (blind, of course) and pointed out strengths, weaknesses and how the writer could improve the piece to catch her attention.

So the agent, my chosen pro, did mine first (it was the first scene from my WIP, which totalled a big whopping one page), said lots of nice things, then said, "This is the sort of thing I would ask to see more of. If it's yours, come see me after session." So, of course, I went and saw her; she handed me her card and told me to send the first 50 and a synopsis. I'll spare you the scary details of my friend and I jumping around like twelve year olds once we were out of the room.

Now, here's my question: she knew, since I didn't have a one-on-one pitch session, that my WIP isn't complete. The first draft is about 3/4 of the way done and, of course, I revised the first 50 to be sent out, so the second draft is started. Should I mention that in the query as a reminder? Of course I plan on reminding her the circumstance of her request. Should I just leave it at that?

Assistance is appreciated!

Soccer Mom · Jul 28, 2006

Yes, I would remind her in the letter of her request and that yours is still a WIP. Also, write REQUESTED MATERIAL on the outside of your envelope. Then I would plant my happy butt in a chair and write like a maniac to finish.

Good luck!

Siddow · Jul 29, 2006

Write like a maniac!

Ya know, I'm not so sure I would say it's unfinished. That might bias her interest. Personally, I would wait until she asked for the full, then say something like, "Can I send it to you by the first of the month? I want to make one final pass through the manuscript." She should be fine with that. I think jamesaritchie sold a novel that way. There's a post here somewhere about that, only he sold his FIRST draft. *grumble, grumble. Jerk.*

Who knows? Maybe, since you're writing like a maniac, the book will be finished by the time she requests it. Wouldn't you hate for her to toss it aside with a "I don't read unfinished manuscripts by new writers"?

Best of luck! Butt in chair!

blackbird · Jul 29, 2006

This is an EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT opportunity! One of those precious rare cases of talent (which I'm sure you have aplenty) meeting up with the right person at the right time! All I can say now, is write like mad--day and night, if you have to. You can always give yourself permission to fall apart after the novel is off in the mail. :hooray:

Jamesaritchie · Jul 29, 2006

Siddow said:
Write like a maniac!

Ya know, I'm not so sure I would say it's unfinished. That might bias her interest. Personally, I would wait until she asked for the full, then say something like, "Can I send it to you by the first of the month? I want to make one final pass through the manuscript." She should be fine with that. I think jamesaritchie sold a novel that way. There's a post here somewhere about that, only he sold his FIRST draft. *grumble, grumble. Jerk.*

Who knows? Maybe, since you're writing like a maniac, the book will be finished by the time she requests it. Wouldn't you hate for her to toss it aside with a "I don't read unfinished manuscripts by new writers"?

Best of luck! Butt in chair!

I did sell a novel that way, but it was a miserable three weeks, and the only way I could make the sale was to give the agent the first draft. Writing a first draft good enough to sell is not an easy task.

It worked out for me, so it's hard to say someone else shouldn't try the same thing, but man, that was a lousy three weeks.

It's tough. Good opportunities do not come along every day, and when you get one you need to take full advanatge of it. Still, this may be a case of do as I say, rather than do as I did.

Saraphim · Jul 29, 2006

Jamesaritchie said:
I did sell a novel that way, but it was a miserable three weeks, and the only way I could make the sale was to give the agent the first draft. Writing a first draft good enough to sell is not an easy task.

It worked out for me, so it's hard to say someone else shouldn't try the same thing, but man, that was a lousy three weeks.

It's tough. Good opportunities do not come along every day, and when you get one you need to take full advanatge of it. Still, this may be a case of do as I say, rather than do as I did.

I did that, too. Isn't it awful? LOL. I never in a million years would tell anyone to do that, pitch a WIP, and have discouraged my writer friends in the past from this. But then I did it, and (eek!) sold not one but two books -- my first major pub sales. Then I crapped my pants, LOL.

Jamesaritchie is right -- I churned out 65,000 words of an 80k book in 2 weeks. It was the hardest 2 weeks of my life, because the pressure was on and I had an editor waiting for it. And not everyone can write a sellable ms. in that kind of time. I was fortunate to have pitched a book that I had in mind for a long time, and knew well enough to just dive right into working on.

So I don't know what to tell ya, Troilee.

Do what feels right to you. You know your ability and comfort level better than anyone. I knew I could write my book in a pinch -- and make it good -- if I had to, which it turned out I did. But not everyone can do the same, and that's okay, too. Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

Cathy C · Jul 30, 2006

Like Saraphim and James, I did it too. I don't recommend it, but if you're tough--it can be the start of great things for you. But definitely be upfront with the agent and tell them that it's not complete. You can give an estimate of how long you think it'll take (I wouldn't take more than two months). If the agent is really interested, she'll wait.

Good luck! Enjoy your Snoopy dance! :snoopy:

IThinkICan29 · Jul 30, 2006

A little stress can work wonders on procrastinating writers. Especially when it comes down to finishing a project and getting an agent or published. I have a friend that BS'd around with a novel for a little over a year. She pitched it to someone that knew someone and ba-da-bing-ba-da-boom, next thing you know she gets a call for a completed MS. She HAD to finish the novel in a few weeks. But had she not had someone light a fire under her buttocks, she probably wouldn't have finished it. I'm one to talk though....I'm pretty much BS'ing with my WIP (editing/re-re-revisions)....not going to pitch it though...if an agent called me right now asking for the full MS I'd have a heartattack.

Jamesaritchie · Jul 30, 2006

pressure

It's true enough. When a real by God agent or editor asks for something, it can make you get things done you would have said were impossible. I guess you just have to know yourself well enough to be realistic about it. If you're sure you can work under that kind of pressure, and not everyone can, then go for it.

But one thing I'll say. It sure kicks procrastination out the door.

PeeDee · Jul 30, 2006

IThinkICan29 said:
A little stress can work wonders on procrastinating writers. Especially when it comes down to finishing a project and getting an agent or published. I have a friend that BS'd around with a novel for a little over a year. She pitched it to someone that knew someone and ba-da-bing-ba-da-boom, next thing you know she gets a call for a completed MS. She HAD to finish the novel in a few weeks. But had she not had someone light a fire under her buttocks, she probably wouldn't have finished it. I'm one to talk though....I'm pretty much BS'ing with my WIP (editing/re-re-revisions)....not going to pitch it though...if an agent called me right now asking for the full MS I'd have a heartattack.

I've been on the fence about this very idea for weeks on end now, but was very hesitant. I think between this story, and James's comments, I'm decided now.

Angela · Jul 30, 2006

I have no advice to offer any different than what's been said already, but I did want to say "CONGRATULATIONS!!" and "GOOD LUCK!!!!". That must have been a "WOW" moment for you!!

Query question

Troilee

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking

blackbird

Jamesaritchie

Saraphim

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

IThinkICan29

Jamesaritchie

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?

Angela

Named For a Song...