Agent Etiquette - If asked to send entire manuscript

Dan Walsh

Hi, I guess I have a nice problem here, but still don't know what the protocol is. I have sent out 3 queries on my novel to 3 reputable agents. One invited me to send an email query, then requested the same day a synopsis and 5 chapters, which I sent. Another has just gone a bit further, emailing me yesterday, saying she liked what I sent and would like to see the entire manuscript (no word from the 3rd).

If the first one gets back to me soon asking for the entire manuscript (coud happen), am I ok doing that, or do I need to mention another agent has asked for the whole thing? Don't want to sound like I'm putting pressure, but there's also no commitment yet to anyone. What's the norm here? What would agents expect or appreciate?

Thanks, Dan
 

jchines

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I don't think you need to mention it unless the agent asks for an exclusive.

It's normal for authors to query multiple agents, and I think most agents expect and understand that.
 

victoriastrauss

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I agree. Unless Agent #1 asks for an exclusive, you've no obligation to let her know that anyone else is reading.

If she does ask for an exclusive, you do need to tell her that someone else is reading. She may be willing to waive the exclusive if she's really interested. If not, you can send her the ms. when the other agent is done.

- Victoria
 

Storyteller5

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And if you give anyone an exclusive look, make sure you give them a limited deadline. Say "you may have an exclusive for x amount of time"(eg. 6 weeks). Otherwise you are tying that manuscript up for an indefinite time which is not great if that agent gets very busy and doesn't get to it promptly. :)