I don't want to be a nudge, but...
- Thread starter JennaGlatzer
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Sorry about that!
My question (as you may have already guessed from the thread title), has to do with how much is too much when it comes to "touching base" about the status of a submission (especially if a particular agent's website says to "check back any time" after a certain amount of time has past.
In other words, if the website indicates that you can email to check on the status of your submission after, say, 6 or 8 weeks have past, and you have done so (and have been told that your work is still under consideration), at that point should you just let things lie for an indefinite period of time, or contact them again? (That iis where my concern about being too much of a pest comes into play).
Oh boy -- I hope this is clear. Sorry if it is fuzzy.
My question (as you may have already guessed from the thread title), has to do with how much is too much when it comes to "touching base" about the status of a submission (especially if a particular agent's website says to "check back any time" after a certain amount of time has past.
In other words, if the website indicates that you can email to check on the status of your submission after, say, 6 or 8 weeks have past, and you have done so (and have been told that your work is still under consideration), at that point should you just let things lie for an indefinite period of time, or contact them again? (That iis where my concern about being too much of a pest comes into play).
Oh boy -- I hope this is clear. Sorry if it is fuzzy.
A good rule of thumb between nudges is to wait the specified amount of time the agency gives. For example, if their website says it's okay to inquire about your status after eight weeks, wait eight weeks and then give a polite nudge. If you hear nothing, or get a "still under consideration" response, allow them another eight weeks before nudging again. If you still don't hear anything, or get the "still under consideration" response to your second inquiry, I might say give them another month--if this person is absolutely on your "must have" agent list. But beyond that, you'll be pushing the five-month mark and it may be time to start seriously considering another agent.
Thanks so much, Blackird! This is exactly the kind of helpful advice I have been seeking. That sounds like a good "nudge" schedule to me.
Thanks again,
hopeful
Thanks again,
hopeful
One other quick question: Is it ever (and I do mean EVER) acceptable agent-potential client etiquette to telephone (rather than email) to inquire about the status of a submission (if a considerable amount of time has past, that is)? Or is that considered very impolite?
I would say don't phone unless a definite interest has already been established on the agent's part, meaning they've given you some positive feedback and at least seem to be seriously considering taking you on. I know that I learned that lesson the hard way a few years back with an agent I especially wanted, who had requested a partial, but then ultimately passed. What a pest I must have made of myself, phoning to ask the assistant if I could get a critique on what was "wrong" with the manuscript. Looking back on it now, it's a credit to them that they were as nice and understanding to me as they were, rather than telling me where to go.
But living and learning is all part of the process!
But living and learning is all part of the process!
Deadline
Another thing I've heard is to give them a deadline. To say something like: "I'm still hoping to hear from you regarding my manuscript (title). Please contact me by (date a few weeks in the future) or else I'll have to assume you're not interested." Has anyone done this with good/bad results??
Another thing I've heard is to give them a deadline. To say something like: "I'm still hoping to hear from you regarding my manuscript (title). Please contact me by (date a few weeks in the future) or else I'll have to assume you're not interested." Has anyone done this with good/bad results??
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Hopeful,
An agent friend of mine stated that if an agency has a standard response time, and you have not heard back from them, it is then common practice to allot them 2 MORE weeks before nudging them. Also, you should NEVER cold call an agent unless they ask you to call them, or unless they are your agent!
An agent friend of mine stated that if an agency has a standard response time, and you have not heard back from them, it is then common practice to allot them 2 MORE weeks before nudging them. Also, you should NEVER cold call an agent unless they ask you to call them, or unless they are your agent!
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See I had a slightly different experience. An agent had asked me for a full, and said it would take about 4 -6 weeks to get back to me. After the 8th week I called and talked to a very sweet assistant who seemed genuinely surprised I hadn't heard from the agent. Later that day the agent emailed me excuses for not having read it and the following week called me back saying she liked it but wanted soome edits. All of it was very civilised. I tried hard not to put on the pressure, simply asked whether it had been or was going to be read. And they understood that. She's now my agent. So I think as long as you wait an appropriate length of time, prepare very carefully what you are going to say, and even the tone of voice your are going to say it in, it isn't the end of the world to call.
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Good luck with your writing!