Two agents, one rev. request

birdfeeder · Dec 10, 2006

Two agents have my full MS by request, both nonexclusive. Agent #1 is known for requesting revisions before offering representation. Agent #1 also rejects many MSs after reviewing revisions.

If Agent #1 asks me for revisions before offering representation, does my work become exclusive to Agent #1? May I revise and resubmit while still waiting on Agent #2? (Both agents are desirable.)

May I--should I--continue to query? Even if I revise and resubmit to Agent #1?

(I'm asking this now because Agent #1 emailed me and told me they were reviewing my MS and would prepare a response next week.)

Thank you!

triceretops · Dec 10, 2006

Birdfeeder, there's no reason why you can't keep submitting, even while under the direction of an agent who is working with you. It's a moral decision you will have to make. And it's a very good question BTW. This requires a gut feeling and your personal sense of loyalty. If for instance, agent # 1 spends weeks with you, polishing the book, and you happen to get accepted by agent # 2, how would that make you feel about leaving your first agent--the one who became you're mentor and guide?

Tough call. Really, Wait for some more responses.

Tri

mysterygrl · Dec 11, 2006

My agent requested revisions before signing me. I loved her suggestions and knew they'd make the ms better, so I stopped querying and focused on the rewrite. The day I sent the revised ms to the agent, I sent out another batch of queries. She called me a few weeks later to offer representation.

I did feel some loyalty to her before signing, since she'd taken the time to provide feedback and was clearly enthusiastic about the book. But there were no guarantees she would offer representation. I decided it would be in my best interest to keep querying.

Julie Worth · Dec 11, 2006

birdfeeder said:
I'm asking this now because Agent #1 emailed me and told me they were reviewing my MS and would prepare a response next week.

That the first agent emailed you to tell you they are reviewing your work is probably a discreet way of finding out if you've signed with someone else. I wouldn't take it as either positive or negative, and I would continue to send out queries.

Maprilynne · Dec 12, 2006

Sometimes just making your book better without an sign of representation is totally worth it. I'm in the middle of revisions now with an agent I'm not signed with so I know how nerve-wracking it can be. However, I sent of a full yesterday to another agent and was very pleased that, because of this other agent's help, I was sending of a better manuscript.

I'm still hoping for agent 1, but no matter what, I am grateful for how much she has improved my story.

Maprilynne

HorrorWriter · Dec 13, 2006

Maprilynne said:
Sometimes just making your book better without an sign of representation is totally worth it. I'm in the middle of revisions now with an agent I'm not signed with so I know how nerve-wracking it can be. However, I sent of a full yesterday to another agent and was very pleased that, because of this other agent's help, I was sending of a better manuscript.

I'm still hoping for agent 1, but no matter what, I am grateful for how much she has improved my story.

Maprilynne

Me too. I'm revising and in the same situation. She wants me to send it to her once I make the suggested changes.

birdfeeder · Dec 18, 2006

Thank you to all who responded. I'm still waiting on the promised agent response!

ORION · Dec 18, 2006

And another point.
My agent signed me first and then we began "tweaking" the manuscript. I can see why an agent might wait to see if you can take direction and understand the editing process. It is a headache and a waste of the agent's time if you can't-
As a result the editors that were interested in acquiring my novel all knew that my agent sent good publishable work that was already good to go. Of course editors like to put their stamp on things and your work can always be made better.
I worry when an agent says the work is perfect as is...
It honestly never is.
JMHO

Two agents, one rev. request

birdfeeder

triceretops

mysterygrl

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

Maprilynne

Author Waiting in the Wings

HorrorWriter

It's a new dawn. It's a new day.

birdfeeder

ORION

Sailed away years ago