Should I email?

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Gardenia31

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I have partially submitted my manuscript to three agents...that was a month ago. Should I email and ask them about it or just keep my mouth shut, my fingers still?
 

nevada

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Do not email. Not yet. It can take as long as 3 to six months for them to get to your manuscript. Be patient. Continue to query. Good luck.
 

NiennaC

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Ditto Nevada, a month isn't long at all. Hang in there, it could be a lot longer before you hear back. Why not come over and hang in the Northstar Sub Station while you wait? Passes the time.
 

Gardenia31

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Thanks everyone, you're right. I'll sit tight and be patient.
 

Gillhoughly

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Make it four months minimum and be working on your next book to keep your head from exploding.

EXPECT it to come back and have three other agents down on your submission list.

If your submission has suggestions tacked on, then be ready to rewrite before sending it out on the next round.

It took me 2 years and 25 rewrites before selling that first book. By then I had 2 more finished and waiting in the wings--which the publisher ALSO bought.

Good luck!
 

ORION

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"How can you be NEARLY headless..."

ferret I'm with you! "partially submitted"
Your response just reminded me of the line from HP
 

maestrowork

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I think anything up to 3-6 months is considered "normal." Six weeks would be "fast."

Meanwhile, work on your next masterpiece.
 

job

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How does one partially submit something? Either you submit it or you don't. ;)

(giggle)

I'd go with everybody else on this. Be patient. Wait at least four months. Agents can take a looong time getting back to you. There's no reason not to float a few more queries in the water.

Congratulations, OP, on getting three requests for a partial. That is so excellent. Way to go!
 

Nymtoc

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A few years ago an agent requested a partial. I sent it, and after not hearing anything for two months I wrote asking what was happening.
The result? He sent it back to me without a note.

:(

Advice: As Nevada said, be patient.
 

bluemoonscribe

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I know it's hard to be patient. Use this time to perfect your query letter even further and maybe even submit to other agents that fit your needs.
 

seun

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A few years ago an agent requested a partial. I sent it, and after not hearing anything for two months I wrote asking what was happening.
The result? He sent it back to me without a note.

I know sod all about agents but I don't think it's out of order to contact them after two months when they requsted a partial. A short, polite note shouldn't be enough to make them reject you out of hand.
 
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