Probably stupid question--Query response

spikeman4444 · Nov 17, 2009

So an agent emailed me in response to a query and to my surprise, it was not a rejection. In my shock I read the email, and it basically said that they were interested in the premise and wanted to know if I would grant them one week exclusivity. Now being new to this whole process, what is the purpose of one week? If they wanted a full/partial ms wouldn't they need more than one week to review it? What else would they mean?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

katiemac · Nov 17, 2009

So an agent emailed me in response to a query and to my surprise, it was not a rejection. In my shock I read the email, and it basically said that they were interested in the premise and wanted to know if I would grant them one week exclusivity. Now being new to this whole process, what is the purpose of one week? If they wanted a full/partial ms wouldn't they need more than one week to review it? What else would they mean?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Exclusivity means the agent doesn't want you to send the manuscript to any other agents in that time. And yes, an agent could definitely review your manuscript in a week's time. Although a lot of people don't like exclusives, other agents included, one week seems pretty reasonable to me. (Other agents request two weeks ... three weeks .. one month...) If you get another request, you won't be able to send out more materials until your week limit is up with this agent.

Stijn Hommes · Nov 18, 2009

Yes, the agent wants to be the only one to read your manuscript during that time, and perhaps make an offer when she's done. A week is pretty reasonable, so I would give it.
Is the manuscript out with any other agents at the moment?

Libbie · Nov 18, 2009

Do it. An agent recently requested my full on a four-week exclusive basis, and she got back to me in eleven days with some really great suggestions for improvement, an invitation to resubmit once edits were made, and a lot of enthusiasm. I feel very hopeful about it. I think the "exclusive" thing is probably a good sign -- it means they see some potential there and are taking it seriously. And one week is very short.

Maxinquaye · Nov 18, 2009

Yeah, I'd definitely go for it. One week is nothing in this game.

stormie · Nov 18, 2009

One week is fine for an exclusive. In fact, that's great. If another agent has a full, let this agent know.

cwfgal · Nov 18, 2009

As others have said, do it. I'm normally against exclusives but one week is so reasonable that I'd grant it. If you have the ms out to any other agents, tell them. Otherwise, give them the week.

Beth (aka Annelise Ryan)

spikeman4444 · Nov 18, 2009

Thanks to all for your help. I will send the ms to them as it is not currently out to any other agencies. I think my original question was sort of twisted but that's ok. I really just wanted to know if it was normal for an agency to view a ms in one week. I feel like that is such a short time. Oh well...no complaints from me!!

Stijn Hommes · Nov 19, 2009

It is short, but the fact they want the exclusive shows they like it. And you have the bonus of not being taken advantage of...

Madison · Nov 19, 2009

One week is good. If it were longer, I'd be wary of giving them my manuscript just because it'd get in the way of any other full/partial requests. But since it's just a week, you'll hear back from them faster than you probably would w/o an exclusive -- and if you get any other requests, you won't have to wait too long to send them out.

Congrats, by the way; that's awesome!

Me&BacchusGoIntoABar · Nov 19, 2009

Here is a blog post from Janet Reid on exclusives.

fov · Nov 20, 2009

I agree with everyone here - do it! One week is nothing. If you do have the manuscript out to others already, though, make sure to disclose this.

I had an agency request an exclusive without giving a time frame. They were a very prestigious agency so I said yes. They held onto it for almost four months, passing it from the original agent who asked for the exclusive to another who for all I know may not even have been interested in it, and in the end I had to pester them for a response. (Which was a rejection.) I said I'd never do that again... but in this situation, I'd totally go for it.

Probably stupid question--Query response

spikeman4444

The snozberrys taste lke snozberrys

katiemac

Five by Five

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Maxinquaye

That cheeky buggerer

stormie

storm central

cwfgal

On the rocks

spikeman4444

The snozberrys taste lke snozberrys

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

Madison

summertime...

Me&BacchusGoIntoABar

fov

Rattenmonster