Do I call the agent?

[JoNightshade]

So yesterday an agent called to offer me representation on book #1, which is fantastic.

HOWEVER, I also have a full on book #2 with a different agent. She's had it for a while. She does not use email, so I only have a mailing address and a phone number for her. Yesterday afternoon I sent out a letter telling her that she needs to a) make an offer right away if she's going to or b) toss my manuscript. I said that if she wants to offer something, she needs to contact me via phone or email, ASAP. She's usually pretty prompt with recieving and responding to letters - I've had several communications with her so far and the turnaround has always been quick.

However, my new agent would like to get the ball rolling so she can start sending my manuscript out to editors first thing in January.

So here's my question. DO I CALL THE OTHER AGENT? I know agents hate to get phone calls about manuscript status, but does this situation necessitate a call?

[Toothpaste]

I think this is a situation where you can call the other agent. First off it is a matter of time, and second this 2nd agent has your full so it isn't like you are following up on a query letter or anything, she already has a vested interest.

Just be polite and professional. I think it should be okay.

[callalily61]

Call.

[JoNightshade]

Well darnit, I was hoping you guys would convince me not to. I really, REALLY hate talking on the phone.

[AndreaGS]

I feel your phone-calling pain, but yes, I agree with what everyone else has said. Call.

[dawinsor]

Agentquery.com says to email, then offers this advice if the agent doesn't respond to the email. I think it would be applicable in your case too:

we suggest calling after you've sent an email, especially if Ms. Silent Agent is one of your top-choices. If you can't get her on the phone, leave a detailed message, citing the fact that you've received an offer of representation, and you are alerting all the agents who are still considering your work before you accept the initial offer. After the phone call, if Ms. Silent Agent gets back to you within a day or two, great. If not, Ms. Silent Agent is silent for a reason. Move on.

[preyer]

i'm curious to how it's possible to stay in business as an agent and not have email....

[JoNightshade]

Oh, thanks for posting that, dawinsor. I'm going to use that wording for the conversation I am now writing out on paper... :cry: I'm such a weenie!!!

[dawinsor]

Also, I meant to say congratulations. That's utterly wonderful. I hope you're dancing in the street.

[JoNightshade]

i'm curious to how it's possible to stay in business as an agent and not have email....

I assume she has one, she just doesn't give it out. This was kind of a really weird fluke. It's an agency that has been around forever and isn't even accepting queries. I somehow missed that and sent them one by accident. Then she asked for a partial and then a full. Sooo yeah. It was a total accident that this place even paid any attention to me.

[JoNightshade]

Okay, I did it!! I got an assistant or something who said it's had one read and is now on the agent's desk and she'll let her know I need an answer in the next week.

WHEW.

If I was in charge of the world all phones would be destroyed.

[AndreaGS]

Yay! I'm so excited for you!

[Ziljon]

That's so exciting, "it's had one read." You know what that means, don't you. It means that one person at least has read your book. Not a beta reader, or a friend or someone in your family, but a real, honest to God stranger!

What will you do if this one offers representation?

[preyer]

very cool and good for you.

[Prawn]

Great news jo!

But do not be in a hurry. The agent that offered to rep you probably has other authors she is working with. She will need to read your ms, give it back to you for revisions, have you resubmit, then you need to get in the line of books waiting to be sent out. She can't send out very many at once. I think it would be highly unlikely for your book to go out to editors in early January, so I'd take my time in deciding.

It seems that if you don't like talking on the phone, an agent who doesn't even have a computer might be a good fit. I can see a long literary conversation happening via snail mail.

[JoNightshade]

Great news jo!

But do not be in a hurry. The agent that offered to rep you probably has other authors she is working with. She will need to read your ms, give it back to you for revisions, have you resubmit, then you need to get in the line of books waiting to be sent out. She can't send out very many at once. I think it would be highly unlikely for your book to go out to editors in early January, so I'd take my time in deciding.

Well, so far she hasn't said anything about revisions. She said she was doing some editing on it but that it was in great shape. However, I had to tell her that I had rewritten the end of the book since I'd sent it to her (oops!) And I don't know that it will go out immediately, but what she said was that she wants to start working on it ASAP. Anyway I am not opposed to hurrying this OTHER agent who has had my full since August. Sheesh, it's about time! :)

It seems that if you don't like talking on the phone, an agent who doesn't even have a computer might be a good fit. I can see a long literary conversation happening via snail mail.

This... is a good point. Haha.

[Straka]

Phone skills takes some practice. Part of my marketing job means hunting for new clients. And some of that means... cold calling! I can tell you THAT'S a skill sent unto itself.

Congrats on the progress thus far

[David I]

Umm, Not Enough Information.

Is Agent #1 (who offered you representation) definitively not interested in your other manuscript?

I'm sure you know that agents usually represent all of an author's work (yes, yes, I know there are exceptions, which is why they're called "exceptions").

Is Agent #2 your preferred agent? That is, if Agent #2 offers to represent your manuscript, will you tell Agent #1 to take a hike?

In fact, what did you tell Agent #1?

In any case, there's nothing wrong with calling when you have a genuine reason (though e-mail usually makes more sense). But I really don't quite understand the details of your situation here. (Congratulations, though!)