Let me rephrase that

popmuze · Jan 1, 2007

After going 3 for 147 on the other boards (take that, A-Rod), I'd like to restate my original question here.

Has anyone ever included more than one non-fiction idea in a query letter to an agent?

I have published a lot of NF books over the years, but am now stumped as to which of several new ideas of mine might be the most commercial. I'm wondering how an agent would react to a multiple choice option.

Since this is my field, I know if an agent were to say, "I like D better than A, B and C," I could whip up a proposal and outline for D in three days.

johnzakour · Jan 2, 2007

Okay, I may not be the best one to chime in since I kind of fell into having my agent and I've never actually written a query letter to an agent.

If I did write one I don't think I would give them a lot of options. I would focus on my strongest title (or the one I believe in the most) and ask them to rep that one. I don't think you should give potential agents a lot of think about. Go with the idea you feel strongest about.

But I could be way off here...

popmuze · Jan 2, 2007

Unfortunately, I feel they're all very strong.

Maybe, just for fun, I'll just write six different queries for six different projects to six different agents and see what happens.

Kristen King · Jan 2, 2007

I would really discourage proposing more than one idea in a single query unless they're very closely related, in which case you should roll them into a single project. Every agent/editor I've ever talked to about queries has HATED this. Maybe ask Miss Snark and see what she says?

kk

johnzakour · Jan 2, 2007

popmuze said:
Unfortunately, I feel they're all very strong.

Oh come now, surely you think one of them is stronger than the others.

popmuze said:
Maybe, just for fun, I'll just write six different queries for six different projects to six different agents and see what happens.

That would make things very dicey on the chance you got more than one agent interested.

If it was me I'd pitch my favorite concept, hook the agent then say, "oh by the way, I have these other projects..."

JennaGlatzer · Jan 2, 2007

I have, but only if I'd already had some contact with the agent before, so it was a more casual query. Then it was for just the reason you stated: I had two ideas I thought were both strong, and wanted the agent's input as to which to develop first (or which he'd be more enthusiastic about representing). He didn't mind at all; it led to a nice long phone call where he steered me toward one over the other.

popmuze · Jan 2, 2007

johnzakour said:
If it was me I'd pitch my favorite concept, hook the agent then say, "oh by the way, I have these other projects..."

Actually, I've been going with one idea, and two agents are now considering it. I guess I'll wait and see if either of them wants to represent me.
In both queries, I did mention that I had a finished novel, but neither agent wanted to look at it.
If and when an agent wants to represent my non fiction, I'll have to deal with the four agents now reading the novel.

popmuze · Jan 2, 2007

JennaGlatzer said:
I have, but only if I'd already had some contact with the agent before, so it was a more casual query

Maybe what I should do is write a casual note to an agent, stressing my credits, etc. And then ask if they'd like to discuss my latest ideas with me and help me pick the strongest.

But wasn't that what the guy on the other thread wanted to do?

johnzakour · Jan 2, 2007

JennaGlatzer said:
I have, but only if I'd already had some contact with the agent before, so it was a more casual query. Then it was for just the reason you stated: I had two ideas I thought were both strong, and wanted the agent's input as to which to develop first (or which he'd be more enthusiastic about representing). He didn't mind at all; it led to a nice long phone call where he steered me toward one over the other.

I bow to Jenna's wisdom on this one.

Let me rephrase that

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

johnzakour

Dangerous with a Keyboard

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

Kristen King

johnzakour

Dangerous with a Keyboard

JennaGlatzer

wishes you happiness

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

johnzakour

Dangerous with a Keyboard