I (a first time novelist) Got an agent who worked with me for about a year. Now she never returns my calls.
I gave her my contractual 6 month notice. In the meantime I did the mad query submission I now have 13 agents (10 of which are big) interested.
Is it ok to sent out my MS?
If I get an offer from an agent, but the book is still out at one of the big houses….
Could I call (or email) the big house and say… I appreciate your reviewing my ms. I realize how busy you are etc… but I have had an offer from another agent. I would prefer if possible to work with you, could you please let me know where in the selection possess you are?
Or would that turn them off?
If I do not ever hear from my agent, may I submit during the remaining 6 months?
Sounds like an embarassment of riches,
Evieeve.
You have 13 agents interested in your book? Your last name must be Grisham!
I don't think however you can dance with 13 agents. I'd pare that down to the two or three MOST interested because it's difficult for me to believe you've got 13 agents who are equally as interested.
At any rate, if you have a manuscript that a publisher is sitting on, I don't think you should feel reluctant in asking where they are in the vetting process. But I'd feel a bit uneasy in having multiple coupies of a manuscript in the hands of multiple agents and publishers. On one hand it's an impressive accomplishment, but if "everybody" has got it but nobody's offered you a deal, what does that say?
As for the agent that won't return your calls? Unless you have a signed contract with them, I'd send them a polite, but firm letter saying you no longer require their services and thank you very much.
I'm also not sure I understand why if you have agents lining up to see your manuscript why you want to bypass them and approach a pubisher directly. If a publisher likes the manuscript so much, are you only seeking an agent to help you with the contract?
