What is a reader's report?

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eliza1903

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Hey all --

I'm wondering what exactly a reader's report (for fiction) is. I've *heard* of them, but I don't know what to expect. Or what to do with it once I've got it.

Many thanks,

- The Brandnewbie
 
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ORION

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It's when they contract with someone on the outside to read- smaller agencies or less experienced agents sometimes do this. William Morris has literary agent trainees and assistants do this. They take a look first and then pass it on to the agent if they feel it will interest them. (kind of the first line of defense) Many times a manuscript will be passed around an agency-
When your agent submits to publishers more than just the acquisition editor has to read for them to be able to buy it - they want to make sure it has a wider appeal.
Did you have to pay for it?
If you did it's a red flag for a scammer although there is one agent in Oregon who offers a manuscript reading service for a fee- I think it's right on the line of being a bit unethical - but yanno it's just IMHO
 

eliza1903

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Thanks, Orion --

Nope, I don't have to pay for it. The agent in question is with a very reputable agency (P&E has them as "highly recommended") and she's a senior agent. Again, thanks so much for shedding light on this. I've never gotten this far with anyone, and I'm realizing exactly how green I am. ;-)
 
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