Too Many Partials/Fulls Requested?

[Horace Tarbox]

Though I've been writing for years now (two agents, never published), I recently began looking for a new agent after #2 agent dropped me without reading my newest manuscript. I've had a lot more requests for this new novel than I anticipated: 16 partials and 5 fulls as of today (three of those fulls are after review of a partial). Have I stretched myself too thin? Some of the agents are very reputable. big-time NY agents, and others are from smaller groups. I'm sure we all have the dream of having multiple offers of representation, but what do I do with all of these other agents if it should happen? Should I hold out for a bigger agent if a less well-known agents wishes to rep me?

[Julie Worth]

You can't have too many. I have six fulls out at present, with another five that passed. If I get multiple offers, it will only be because they called on the same day, as I intend to go with the first one.

[dreamsofnever]

Wow, congratulations! I don't think you've stretched yourself too thin at all. Are these all agents that are your dream agents? If not, think about what you are looking for in an agent and who can meet your needs best. There's nothing wrong with asking for time to make a decision if one offers representation while you're holding out for one of your top choices.

I would also recommend making a list of questions to ask your potential agents whenever they call to offer representation. Remember that not every agent is right for everyone, so it's important to make sure you find the right match for you and your personality/working style.

Good luck with finding the right agent for you!

[Horace Tarbox]

Thanks, Dreams. I guess I should think of appropriate questions to ask. When I received my prior two offers for representation, I jumped instantly into their laps without a second thought. What questions would you ask?

[Julie Worth]

Thanks, Dreams. I guess I should think of appropriate questions to ask. When I received my prior two offers for representation, I jumped instantly into their laps without a second thought. What questions would you ask?

See here: http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=10336#3
and: http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2007/04/questions-to-ask-before-signing-with.html

[Prevostprincess]

Also remember that you don't have to give an agent who offers representation an answer right away. After your discussion, you can say how much you appreciate their interest and that you'd like to have some time to think it over. Any reputable agent will respect that. Then, let the other agents who are still considering know you have an offer on the table. If anyone else makes an offer, then you can choose - what a lovely position to be in!

Good luck!

[dreamsofnever]

The links Julie provided answer that question pretty well. But I would just think about the experience you had with your old agents. Obviously something was wrong with #1, or you wouldn't have started looking for #2, and if #2 just dropped you, then you need to make sure you have an agent that believes in your work and is willing to represent you for a career in writing, not just for one or two manuscripts.

I wouldn't say you should hold out for a 'big' agent, but just make sure whoever you go with believes in you enough to give you the personal attention you deserve.

Good luck with this! With how many partials and fulls you have out, it sounds like you should have your picks of agents. While you wait, I would recommend researching their recent sales (you can check Publisher's Marketplace for that) and seeing if you can figure out which authors they represent. You might also want to check the Bewares and Backgrounds Check boards to make sure they're not there. (though I'm sure you probably did this before submitting)

Anyways, I think your future looks bright and just remember that you deserve an agent who is enthusiastic about your work and committed to getting you published.

Good luck!

[Star]

Move over Horace! I went through FOUR agents before I landed my fifth and final. I would advise you to make sure the agent you choose is right for your book. Quick example. I was picked up by an agent at a mid-size respectable agency. She specializes in non-fiction, but handles a "select" number of children's books. When she took me on, I was flattered, and thought I was special. But in the end, since she mostly dealt with non-fiction, she hadn't made the right connections to get me a book deal. Hence, I was rejected by thirteen publishers.

Fast forward a year later. I land an agent at a huge agency who took the time to give me feedback, put me through grueling revisions, stuck by me even through the rejections...then bam, we finally got a book deal.

The point is, I felt so indebted to the aforementioned agent, that I let unreturned phone calls slide, ignored the fact that she didn't have much experience in YA, etc. As a result, she put me out there when I wasn't ready. Don't let this happen to you.

Find an agent who will treat you with respect throughout the process. Don't be demanding, but NEVER settle for less. Good luck!