could use some advice

[nerds]

I might be committing a newbie error here but I'm not sure where to place this, I'm sorry. Please do move it or direct me to existing threads if need be.

I have two WIPs which are both moving along more quickly than I'd expected them to. The time is soon approaching for me to begin queries. WIP #1 is a nonfiction history work. WIP #2 is a humor novel.

I know the rules and etiquettes for agent queries, and the issues with simultaneous subs, etc., but my question is this:

Would it be out of line to send nonfiction WIP #1 to the history editor at Yale University Press, who doesn't require one to have an agent, while at the same time querying WIP #2, the novel, to agents?

The history project might be a good fit and well-suited to YUP, while the novel would definitely not be (it's just a rompy book of fun). Two very different bits of work.

In no way do I want to go about things incorrectly, which is why I'm asking here. Any advice will be most appreciated.

[ChaosTitan]

Would it be out of line to send nonfiction WIP #1 to the history editor at Yale University Press, who doesn't require one to have an agent, while at the same time querying WIP #2, the novel, to agents?


I don't think it's out of line. It's very likely that an agent interested in representing your novel wouldn't necessarily want to rep your non-fiction book. Not all agents rep both.

[Shadow_Ferret]

I can't think of any reason why your plan would be faulty. As Choas said, an agent the reps humor novels might not be interested in non-fiction and vice-versa.

They are each seperate projects. Query them seperately as you see fit.

And good luck.

[Pamster]

I agree with the others, they are different projects so don't feel one is directly tied to the other since one is NF and the other humor. Definitely get queries going for both projects nerdRus. Welcome to AW. :D

[kristie911]

The only no-no would be to query both to the same agent in the same query letter. Even if that agent reps both kinds of novels.

Querying them separately to different publishers and/or agents is just fine.

Good luck

[nerds]

Very grateful, thank you all for responding. I was afraid I had one of those looks-good-on-paper ideas that are best left untried.

This is reassuring, as query time is looming ever larger in the side-mirrors of my life. Querying always makes me feel like the Fuller Brush salesman, and not in a good way. Plus I haven't done it in about a century or so. Gah.

Thanks again, very much.

:Sun:

[PeeDee]

This is very reassuring, as query time is looming ever larger in the side-mirrors of my life. Querying always makes me feel like the Fuller Brush salesman, and not in a good way. Plus I haven't done it in about a century or so. Gah.

Brilliant. And..er....about how I feel. :)

[Pamster]

I know the feeling, I'm querying right now on several projects and it makes me feel all nervous inside. I just hate it, never knowing if you're going to be hearing from the prospective agent just adds to the nervousness. :p

[Soccer Mom]

Welcome, Nerds!

Love the name btw!

Your plan is solid.