When an agent doesn't respond promptly?

This has been asked many times. The answer is no, don't take those response times seriously, and don't follow up on a query. Pick ten or twenty agents that represent your genre and query them simultaneously. After rejections start pouring in, decide whether you need to revise your query, then do another round. Don't sit on your hands waiting for one agent to respond.

GeneBrighton said:

However, at what point do I give up on waiting and request an answer? Is it ever a good idea to inquire on progress? If so, at what point?

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You should ALWAYS continue querying rather than waiting for replies. I follow the school of thought that you submit a batch of queries at a time, say 5 to 10, then wait to get some replies in just in case you notice any trends and see that you need to tweak your query letter. If you get requests for partials and fulls, you can also do necessary revisions to your manuscript based on specific agent comments that you think will strengthen your manuscript.

It's perfectly acceptable to inquire on progress, but I would take the specified response time (in this case 3 weeks) and double it AT LEAST before contacting the agent for information. And I would then word it as a request to make sure they got the initial query, rather than a "Did ya read it yet huh huh? Did ya?" =)

Hope that helps.

Kasey Mackenzie said:

It's perfectly acceptable to inquire on progress, but I would take the specified response time (in this case 3 weeks) and double it AT LEAST before contacting the agent for information. And I would then word it as a request to make sure they got the initial query, rather than a "Did ya read it yet huh huh? Did ya?" =)

Hope that helps.

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That might be good advice for a requested partial or full, but not for a query. Most agents don't keep track of them, and you probably wouldn't get an answer to your followup, or if you did, it would be a rejection.

GeneBrighton said:

But -- and I'm sure you're aware of this -- what if the agent you're after demands singular submission? He doesn't want you to do multiples. Now, this is a reputable agent and I like his list of representations. I feel kinda forced to wait. And it's driving me nuts!!! At this points one of you is thinking Start writing your next book while you wait. Bah! (respectfully, of course)

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Singular submission of QUERIES??? I don't know of ANY agent who demands this. If all it says is "singular submission" it implies manuscripts, not query letters. Send out more queries while you're waiting; if he's your first choice, he's had a jump start, and if a rejection comes, you'll have other buns in the oven.

GeneBrighton said:

Okay, sounds wise. But, what do I say to those I have queried, those who want singular submissions, when I get multiple requests for manuscripts.

There's not just one way to do this. It depends on who your targeted agents are and their turnaround times.

I'm going to assume you decided who your top picks are. If they are worth the wait, then send the manuscript to them and wait out the exclusivity (?) period. If they reject, send the 'script to the next person on your list.

Really, though, I'm thinking you should just repost this question when you actually get those multiple requests.

If no agent is asking for an exclusive, send the fulls out to everyone who requested one and say nothing. However, if you really only want a certain agent then send it to that person first and stagger the rest of the fulls. You can always let the fav agent know others have requested fulls, and you are giving that agent a lead.


Do I just ignore all requests but his? Do I send to everyone requesting and ignore his singularity issue? You see, at some point I run into a conflict. Do I tell some agents that I am waiting to hear from the most important agent first I wouldn't phrase it quite that way. Say you can send it along when a prior exclusive request has reached its time limit. and will send a manuscript to them when and if the best agent isn't interested? Now, obviously I would be more politic, but I assume agents know how to read between the lines. What will I tell those agents that I have placed in queue, especially if they have to wait six or more weeks while I wait for a response?

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can't answer any more...my baby's waking from her nap. hope that helps!

oh, good!

GeneBrighton said:

Okay, sounds wise. But, what do I say to those I have queried, those who want singular submissions, when I get multiple requests for manuscripts. Do I just ignore all requests but his? Do I send to everyone requesting and ignore his singularity issue? You see, at some point I run into a conflict. Do I tell some agents that I am waiting to hear from the most important agent first and will send a manuscript to them when and if the best agent isn't interested? Now, obviously I would be more politic, but I assume agents know how to read between the lines. What will I tell those agents that I have placed in queue, especially if they have to wait six or more weeks while I wait for a response?

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That's a decision you'll make when it happens. More likely you'll be thanking god that you got even one request. But if you do get several, keep in mind that most agents no longer ask for an exclusive. If you do get asked for one, be sure to limit it to a time frame you can live with.

And don't worry about making agents wait. They probably won't notice unless you tell them, so don't.