How long for getting back on a exclusive

[victoriawrites]

My top choice agent asked for "an exclusive first look" at my novel MS based on my query. She asked if she could have it exclusively "if she promised to get back with an answer by the end of the month (October)"
Well it's only been a week since the end of the month, but I'm wondering how long to let this go on if I don't hear from her?

How free do agents feel in pushing their own deadlines (she was the one who offered the four week excl) --- is it more like oh well a month or two is fine or is it more typical to not respond on time or at all if you're not that interested in it anyway??? My fear is that she won't get back at all (this happened to me once before in another "exclusive four week" deal I made)...

ANy thoughts?

[DeadlyAccurate]

I'd send her an email on Wednesday (one week after the exclusive ended) and remind her, very nicely, that the exclusive period expired on October 31 and ask if she's had a chance to look at it yet. If she asks for an extension, I wouldn't give more than two weeks, tops (well, I wouldn't give any exclusivity, but that's me). If she misses the deadline, don't bother to contact her again; just resume your search.

[lkp]

And if she misses the dealine, it doesn't mean she isn't still interested in repping it. But yeah, resume your search.
And congratulations!

[BrookieCookie777]

I agree with lkp, that doesn't mean she isn't interested. Sometimes they just need a little persuassion. They get so many queries daily - I'm certain their heads spin from time to time. A polite email is the way to go. Something along the lines of asking if she is still interested.

[JamieFord]

Send her an email nudge, and start querying elsewhere.

And don't grant anyone else an exclusive. If someone else asks for an exclusive you should politely say no because you have other queries out (which you should), and keep querying.

Good luck!