Help Me Interpret Agent Response

sgunelius · Jul 6, 2007

I sent a query to an agent for my first book (business nonfiction) who asked for my full proposal and first three chapters. I just heard back via email today. She sent me two pages of comments and suggested revisions (basically, section by section feedback), and ended her email with this:

"If you'd like to make the requested revisions, I'd be happy to work with the project to see if we can bring it to the larger market. I'd be happy to speak with you about the work, if you'd like, and answer any questions you might have."

What does that mean? Is she saying if I make her changes she'll sign me? Does she really mean I can call her? Or is she just being nice. I've sent out less than 10 queries, and this is the first who responded other than 2 rejections. I'm new to all of this, and I don't want to get my hopes up. What does this mean? Please help me interpret.

Thank you!

Tish Davidson · Jul 6, 2007

It means pick up the phone and call her to discuss the project.

rugcat · Jul 6, 2007

Or, you can email her back, tell her you're interested, and ask when might be a good time to call to discuss it.

Perks · Jul 6, 2007

It means, partytime. (As long as the revisions are something you're willing to do.)

Congrats!

sgunelius · Jul 6, 2007

Seriously? I'm so psyched! I thought her suggested revisions were spot on, and I will definitely make them. I thought she may have just been being nice. I sent her an email telling her I would start working on the revisions and asking when I could call her to discuss in further detail.

I do have a few questions for her about her suggestions, but what the heck else do I say to her when I get her on the phone? I don't want to look like an utter novice and complete idiot! Now I'm nervous!

cunparis · Jul 7, 2007

Tripletsmom said:
"If you'd like to make the requested revisions, I'd be happy to work with the project to see if we can bring it to the larger market. I'd be happy to speak with you about the work, if you'd like, and answer any questions you might have."

Congratulations! That's awesome that you found an agent so quickly!

Sohia Rose · Jul 7, 2007

Congrats! Good for you!

Do call her.

Don Allen · Jul 7, 2007

Tripletsmom said:
Seriously? I'm so psyched! I thought her suggested revisions were spot on, and I will definitely make them. I thought she may have just been being nice. I sent her an email telling her I would start working on the revisions and asking when I could call her to discuss in further detail.

I do have a few questions for her about her suggestions, but what the heck else do I say to her when I get her on the phone? I don't want to look like an utter novice and complete idiot! Now I'm nervous!

Make a list of things you need to know, do some brain storming with your family or maybe since its a business book an associate from work. Ask about the market she see's for the project, perhaps the types of publishers she intends on approaching, you know your book better than anyone so maybe there's a follow up she might want you to start writing. You're in a great spot right now take advantage, and congrats on your success, good luck...

Button · Jul 7, 2007

You're getting me all excited now.

Here's a link for questions to ask:

http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2007/02/youas-agent-journalist.html

Hope that helps.

Perks · Jul 7, 2007

Tripletsmom said:
I do have a few questions for her about her suggestions, but what the heck else do I say to her when I get her on the phone? I don't want to look like an utter novice and complete idiot! Now I'm nervous!

You won't be a novice for long. You're on your way. Just enjoy it - the nerves, the satisfaction, the improvement of your book and the anticipation. Not everyday you get to be a grown up and a kid at Christmas too.

Petroglyph · Jul 7, 2007

Tripletsmom said:
Seriously? I'm so psyched! I thought her suggested revisions were spot on, and I will definitely make them. I thought she may have just been being nice. I sent her an email telling her I would start working on the revisions and asking when I could call her to discuss in further detail.

I do have a few questions for her about her suggestions, but what the heck else do I say to her when I get her on the phone? I don't want to look like an utter novice and complete idiot! Now I'm nervous!

You may already plan to do this, but have your questions written down and a place to take notes so you don't forget anything. How fun!! Can someone corral the triplets while you are on the phone?

Good luck!

sgunelius · Jul 8, 2007

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement. I feel more prepared now. I'll definitely have to get someone to watch the triplets during my first conversation with her! Three screaming 2 year olds in the background probably won't go over well during my introductory call!

I have one other question. Since she hasn't actually asked me to sign a contract, should I speak to her under the assumption that if I make the changes to the proposal she recommended to better appeal to a publisher that she plans to sign me? I don't want to sound presumptous when I talk to her, but many of my questions for her would be related to her actually representing me. Since there is no contract yet, how should I approach her about a future commitment and everything that happens after the contract?

Prevostprincess · Jul 8, 2007

Congratulations!

Yes, I would ask her your question directly, ie if you make the changes she suggested and she likes them, does this mean she's planning to offer representation? (However, I would start the conversation by telling her how much you appreciated her comments and how you thought they were spot on, that you appreciate her time, etc.)

Might as well get your relationship off on a very direct foot.

(And, no matter how "nice" agents are, nice will rarely include 2 pages of notes and an offer of a phone call to discuss if they have no interest at all in representing you. They're just too busy. So, congrats, again!)

Mysti · Jul 8, 2007

How truly exciting!!! I can feel your excitement through your text!!! Congratulations! Make sure you take a few deep breaths prior to phoning. You are going to be nervous enough as it is; so take the time you need to center and focus prior to actually speaking with her.

Good Luck!

Pamster · Jul 8, 2007

Way to go Tripletsmom! You should definitely call and discuss what the others have all brought up, so congratulations go out to you for your accomplishment, feel good about it you deserve it.

Tish Davidson · Jul 8, 2007

Anyone who can write a book proposal that gets an agent while taking care of two-year-old triplets has to be Superwoman!

sgunelius · Jul 8, 2007

I wrote during their naps. I really hope I actually get this contract, because my triplets are going to be 3 on 7/15, and I know they won't need to take a nap for much longer! There goes my writing time!

Thank you all again for your support and good wishes! I wouldn't have even gotten this far without the forums at AbsoluteWrite!

Stijn Hommes · Jul 9, 2007

Simple. The agent is willing to put time and effort in your manuscript.

Help Me Interpret Agent Response

sgunelius

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rugcat

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Perks

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cunparis

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Don Allen

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Button

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Perks

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Petroglyph

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sgunelius

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Pamster

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sgunelius

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