I sent a query letter to a reputable agent for my nonfiction story. She responded that she wants to see a proposal, but requires her consideration of my book be on an exclusive basis. Please keep in mind that this is the first book I've written and all of this is new to me. I know exclusivity means she doesn't want me working with other agents during that period. The issue (or what could be an issue) is that I've sent a query letter to three other agents. Of the four, this was the one I would have guessed would have been the least interested - yet she responded with interest in less than 24 hours. I'm thinking I can't pass up this chance since there's no guarantee I'll hear from the other three. My question is how long do I give this person exclusivity? Is it out of line for me to ask them? If I hear from one of these other agents in the meantime and they are interested, what do I tell them? Any help would be appreciated!
question about exclusivity
- Thread starter bookfreakguy
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2005
- Messages
- 28,750
- Reaction score
- 2,937
- Location
- right here
- Website
- www.veinglory.com
This seems to come up a lot. As the proposal has already been sent to others exclusivity is technically out the window IMHO. So it comes down to whether this would be the agent you want. I would suggest explaining that you have submitted the proposal to other agents but perhaps if she is a good option or your first choice that you would give her precedence over them?
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2005
- Messages
- 6,795
- Reaction score
- 1,733
- Location
- Gone around that next bend.
- Website
- www.frankbaron.com
I'm a bit puzzled. Have you completed the book? Usually exclusives are requested for consideration of the full ms, not queries and yet-to-be-sent proposals.
As Vein said, I'd tell her you've sent out other queries but you are willing to not commit to another agent within X-number of weeks of her receiving the proposal. Time-limiting exclusives is par for the course and you needn't fear alienating her by doing so.
As Vein said, I'd tell her you've sent out other queries but you are willing to not commit to another agent within X-number of weeks of her receiving the proposal. Time-limiting exclusives is par for the course and you needn't fear alienating her by doing so.
That had me a bit puzzled, too, but being new to this, I wasn't sure if I was justified in feeling that way. I have completed the book, but all they have asked for is three chapters and my bio - and exclusivity. Any opinions on how long I should give her? For three chapters and a bio, I would hope a week or two would be long enough. But I don't know.
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2005
- Messages
- 6,795
- Reaction score
- 1,733
- Location
- Gone around that next bend.
- Website
- www.frankbaron.com
I think 2-4 weeks is fair. If you're snail-mailing, I'd lean to the latter.
Others with more experience in this sort of scenario might want to chime in here as well. I'm guesstimating.
Others with more experience in this sort of scenario might want to chime in here as well. I'm guesstimating.
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2005
- Messages
- 28,750
- Reaction score
- 2,937
- Location
- right here
- Website
- www.veinglory.com
A non-fiction book proposal is often far more lengthy and detailed than a usual query and requires thought about the potential market and competition, so asking for an exclusive on consideration doesn't seem that unusual to me.
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2005
- Messages
- 297
- Reaction score
- 40
- Location
- On the road...
- Website
- www.queenoftheroadthebook.com
I would NEVER grant exlusivity. Tell the agent that you can't, as alas, it's already out to other agents. You'll be happy not to make any decisions about representation without talking to her first.
When I was querying (and did so widely) that's what I told agents who asked for exclusivity. They were all well known, in top agencies and I never had one say, "oh well, don't send it, then."
When I was querying (and did so widely) that's what I told agents who asked for exclusivity. They were all well known, in top agencies and I never had one say, "oh well, don't send it, then."
You lost me with the first line. What the *** is a non-fiction story? Stories are fiction by definition, unless you're talking about a memoir.
- Status