Here's the situation:

[Cat Scratch]

I'm about to begin querying agents to represent my latest manuscript (I'll call it MS #2.)

A little backstory before I get to my specific question:

A couple of years ago I met a number of agents at a conference, many of whom expressed interest in and requested partials for my last manuscript (MS #1). I quickly found and signed with an agent I met at that conference, and sent word to the agents who already had fulls and partials to not bother reading them, as I'd found representation.

MS #1 did not sell. The agent for MS #1 read MS #2, which is in a completely different genre, and indicated that she is not interested in representing it.

I'd like to query a few of the agents I met at the conference with MS #2. However, it will probably look bad to remind them that I'd queried them with a different ms that did not ultimately sell. However, if I just query them and don't mention it, they may remember me and wonder what happened and think it's a little strange.

Do I refer to the situation? I'd like to remind them that we met and they once requested material from me, because it might get me out of the slush pile faster, but not if it'll land me a big, fat "LOSER" stamp on my SASE. I had lengthy semi-chatty e-mail conversations with a few who were kind and wished me luck, and I'd like to use those contacts if I still can. I feel it might put me ahead of random queries if they recall. I'm fully aware that these agents may not remember a thing from two years ago, so I'm not even sure if it's an issue, but if I can remind them and use it to my advantage, I'd like to try. (I had a catchy title and live in an exotic place, so that alone may jar some memories.)

Again, this is a different and entirely new ms that I am querying, so it's not as if it's made any rounds to publishers that they must know of.

Basically, it sucks being back to square one, especially after having an agent and having been SO CLOSE, and I'd like to feel that experience gave me at least a teensy leg up? Or am I right back in the kiddie pool with the rest of the newbies?

[reenkam]

Maybe you could mention that you talked to them before and say that you're looking for a new manuscript that's in a different genre than the one that your previous agent wanted to represent.

That way you're not stating right out that the other manuscript didn't sell, just that you have a new, completely different one. The other agents may want to read it and then decide the love it. Then you can inform them about the other situation. Personally, I don't think they should care too much. It was a completely different manuscript and it's not selling could be attributed to you old agent or the subject of the book. With a new and different book it's all new material that editors haven't seen.

I don't know if there's any truth to what I've said, but that's how I'd think about the situation if I were in it.

[ChaosTitan]

Again, this is a different and entirely new ms that I am querying, so it's not as if it's made any rounds to publishers that they must know of.


I think you answered your own question up there. My advice: this is a completely different manuscript, so it doesn't have a history. Query away, but you don't need to mention that you have an ex-agent (I assume) who couldn't sell Book #1. It's irrelevant to this new novel.

If you want to contact those other agents, refresh their memories about the conference and your email chats, and then tell them about the novel you are offering. They may remember the first one, they may not.

No need to downsell yourself because of one past failure. When the new agent asks if you've ever had representation, then you can bring up Book #1. But I don't think it's necessary while you're still in the querying phase, because Book #2 hasn't been pitched to editors.

[maddythemad]

Don't mention it. Agents read so much they will probably not remember MS #1, and it will only decrease your chances if you remind them.

And ditto what CT said.

Hope this helps! :)

[chartreuse]

I would not remind them either. I don't see that there's much to be gained.

They probably won't remember in any case, but if they do, what's the worst they are going to think? "Hey, this guy wrote another manuscript that didn't sell."

That same thing could probably be said of many, if not most, of the writers that submit things to them.

[Cat Scratch]

Thanks for the replies. I'm fruitlessly wishing I can leverage their former enthusiasm for my old project into this new one. And with that clunker of an adverb, I'm not surprised no one wants to publish me.

[Shady Lane]

Cat Scratch--

Right now I'm trying my hardest to get an agent to look at my stuff!

You did it once, you can do it again.

[job]

I'll join the others who are saying -- start de novo.

Don't mention the past. They don't remember you.

When you sign with the agent, though, you should tell her all this, just so it's off your mind.

[Star]

In agreement with all.
Don't mention the past. Start fresh. The leverage that you're looking for should come with your professional query letter (bond paper, letterhead) and a tight premise.

I was in the same situation last year. An agent who was SO enthusastic about my first book couldn't sell it. Wrote book #2, she doesn't like it, and my phone calls were no longer being returned. The only difference is, I got my new and much more SUPERIOR agent by returning to my first book. I even told the new agent my whole story (AFTER) I landed him.

Much success with your search. And always remember that the agent is working for you, so hold your head high and feel that you deserve a top-notch agency. By the way, I should also mention that my new top-notch agent actually rejected book #2 - then I showed him a polished book #1 and we're working from there. Gee, I hope all of this makes sense!