Protocol on Partials

I vote for unduly presumptuous. The only time it wouldn't be a deal breaker with agent B is if, in all honesty, you had to inform him/her that agent A had made you an offer. Then it's a courtesy. Otherwise, it's just annoying and the quickest way to get agent B to immediately reject you.

popmuze said:

I vote for unduly presumptuous.

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I think I might disagree. Unless an agent has requested an exclusive, it's generally understood you're going to be sending out queries, partials, and even fulls to other agents.

It can take a long time for an agent to read a full. By the time agent A gets back to you, agent B may well have already made the decision on your partial one way or another. Be honest and professional, but don't worry about advising agents of every detail of your submitting process.

I agree with Popmuze. I'm in a similar situation with three agents who have asked to see my work. I have two partials and one full out to them. I'd be really delighted with any one of them; I couldn't ask for more. I've been tempted to play the full against the two partials but have resisted. I've decided to play it safe. If they want to know the status they'll ask. Otherwise, I think they may conclude, "Well, I'm not going to race this other agent for the representation; there are many other fish in this sea." And then I might end up with nothing. I'd let things sort themselves out without trying to force the situation. This is especially so if the one you have the full out to is less desireable than the one with the partial. Especially if you're unpublished each agent who asks to see your work is valuable. I'd play it cool. Should I get an offer from the one with the full I'm sure I'd sign and let the others know I'm done. Again, I wouldn't fool around.

Homer said:

I agree with Popmuze.

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I also agree with popmuze (clearly) despite the opening line of my previous post - I simply misread his post. I have got to read more carefully.

I'm with popmuze.

AnnMB said:

Should I notify Agent "B" that Agent "A" has requested the full ms., not only as a courtesy, but also with the hope that Agent "B" will move up his time frame for consideration of the partial, or is that being unduly presumptuous?

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Yes. Unless they've asked for an exclusive, agents don't care if or what other agents are reading. They assume you have other irons in the fire, and knowing what those irons are isn't likely to make a difference if no offer of representation is on the table.

If Agent A makes you an offer and Agent B is still reading, then it makes sense to contact Agent B and give him the opportunity to move up his time frame. Short of that, I would not interfere in the process.

- Victoria

AnnMB said:

I've heard so many horror stories about getting the wrong agent that I want to make sure that, given the chance, I do it right.

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That's a whole other story, and a whole other post. First get an offer on the table, then let AW decide!