Oh No

NiennaC · Sep 19, 2007

I just looked at my little query chart and I realized I'd sent a query for my current novel to one other agency about four or five days before a granted an exclusive to another agent. Now, I'm assuming this other agency is going to pass - ie. reject my query letter. But I don't know for sure. What should I do? I like the agency and would want to query them with another project in the future, so I don't want to burn bridges or anything.

I can't believe I did this....I just thought that I'd heard back from everyone else and that I didn't have any more outstanding queries, so it was fine to grant the exclusive....

Cathy C · Sep 19, 2007

In your place, I'd do one of two things. 1) contact the first agent and withdraw the manuscript from consideration for the moment, or 2) contact the one that you've given an exclusive to and simply admit that you forgot about one you've sent out (you don't have to mention the name of the other agent.) Then, just tell the exclusive agent that you won't accept any offers of representation from anyone until they've had a chance to finish their review. Agents understand these things. I can't imagine they'll hold it against you. In fact, I think you'll win points for being upfront with them (it bodes well for a professional relationship.) You don't have to say anything to the first agent in this case. If the exclusive agent makes an offer, you can decide how you want to respond to the first agent.

wee · Sep 19, 2007

Is the forgotten one just a query, no manuscript? If so, couldn't you just leave it be & let them know it's under an exclusive if they request a partial or a full? You might not even hear back from them until the 2nd agency has run out their exclusive ...

wee

DeadlyAccurate · Sep 19, 2007

An exclusive on a full doesn't mean you can't have any outstanding query letters. It means you don't have any outstanding full manuscripts with other agents. I think some even recommend continuing to query even after granting exclusivity, though since I never granted exclusivity, that was never an issue for me.

NiennaC · Sep 19, 2007

Thanks everyone for the replies!

wee - yes, it's just a query, no manuscript. I'm just worried what I'll do if I get a request from the agency that has my query.

Julie Worth · Sep 19, 2007

Don't worry about it. How long is the exclusive, anyway? (Hopefully you told them a month, like I suggest on another thread.)

Manat · Sep 19, 2007

Julie? Did you know you look like a jewish stand up comic?

NiennaC · Sep 20, 2007

Thanks everyone, for your advice.

wqw · Oct 3, 2007

Manat said:
Julie? Did you know you look like a jewish stand up comic?

I think she looks like Maureen Dowd.

Oh No

NiennaC

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

wee

just a little

DeadlyAccurate

Absolutely Fazed

NiennaC

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

Manat

NiennaC

wqw