The Next One

popmuze · Mar 8, 2008

So here's my sad tale.
I've had my latest agent for about a year.
During this time she helped me develop a non-fiction proposal, which has been at two places for about six months.
It took her eight months to read my novel, but her suggestions greatly improved it. It went out on submission about two months ago and quickly picked up three rejections, two of the editors saying this is not the right house for this book (which may or may not be a form of a form rejection but still got me worried).
I haven't heard anything about the F or NF in about a month.

The thing is, now I've finished another book. Do I send it to this agent right away or do I hold it in reserve in case I'm going to be out on the street again.

By the way, the contract we have is actually only for the NF book and only for a year. Technically, I guess either of us could walk away with as little as a call or a letter.

Other than patience, patience, patience, what should I do?

triceretops · Mar 8, 2008

Popmuse, I would actually let your agent make some more subs on these projects. Five total is not a heck of a lot. What's to say she hasn't got more prospects lined up?

I'd hold off on the third book for now, but that's just me. In my case, I had two polished books ready for my agent--two different genres. I told him to concentrate on one and set the other one aside as back-up. I did that to avoid the possibility that they both might end up with contracts and I would be swamped, dealing with two editors, two releases, etc. A long shot, I know, but it was a possibility. And I'd rather that he concentrate his full efforts on one, than spread himself thin on both at the same time.

Seems like you have some trepidation, owed to that "being on the street comment." What makes you think that only after a year and five subs, you've come to the end of your term with this agent? Or is your Spidy sense tingling abou the efficiency of this agent?

I'd kind of hang with this one, if I were you. But that's just me.

I wish the best, though. You certainly deserve it.

Tri

TrishD · Mar 9, 2008

Popmuse,

I agree with Tri. Five pubs isn't many. Since you haven't heard from your agent in awhile, I'd contact her and see if she thinks your novel is ready to go out on a second round of submissions. And I would wait to show her the next project until you've either sold or exhausted your options on the current one.

~Trish

The Next One

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

triceretops

TrishD