Query letters

Topcat136 · Apr 28, 2005

Greetings everybody.

i'm new to the forum and have a quick question. I was always told that you can only submit one query letter to an agent. But, I have been told by some writers and got the impression from some websites that you can send more than one at a time. This will speed up the rejection process incredibly.

Any info would be great.

LightShadow · Apr 28, 2005

Topcat, check this out, and we'll maybe get this straightened out and represented. Agents, publishers, and the like, prefer that you send one at a time because if they want to consider representing you they won't lose you to a competitor - - but we don't have time for that. A friend of mine sent 20 letters at a time. I sent 7 at a time. Depends on your preference, but be sure to research the agents, because if you spend time sending queries to agents that do not specialize in your genre, then it's a waist of ink and postage. www.geocities.com/douglasvgibbs

maestrowork · Apr 28, 2005

Oh lord, by all means send multiple queries at the same time (unless the particular agent asks for "no simultaneous submission" -- I doubt many requires that though. They might ask for "no sim sub" for ms., but not queries). Consider most agents won't reply for at least 2 to 4 weeks (sometimes longer), it will take forever to go through your list of agents... unless

1. You have a specific list of agents, going from most prestigeous and down...

2. You don't mind the wait

2. You care about getting the "RIGHT" agent (see #1) rather than getting "ANY" agent

I sent 10 to 20 at a time. I get about 30-40% hit rate, so in a few weeks I would be busy sending out requested materials (sample chapters, full ms, etc.). Then the cycle slows down because it takes at least 4-8 weeks for them to get back. Once someone requests material, usually I won't send out another query until I get a rejection. Then I send out another query.

LightShadow · Apr 28, 2005

Sometimes the right agency is found when researched heavily. Any agency is found without the research. I agree, though, blanket the mailing. A writer doesn't have the time to sit and wonder one at a time.

stace001 · Apr 28, 2005

I sent 10 to 20 at a time. I get about 30-40% hit rate said:
Maestro...you get rejections...???? Oh my God! is there hope for the rest of us?

katdad · Apr 28, 2005

Swamp them

If you send one at a time you'll be 200 years old before you land an agent.

Everyone sends a bunch of queries at a time, and the agents know it. They wink at it and it goes unnoticed.

Now, that being said, if an agent (or publisher) replies and asks for your complete novel in response to your query, that's different.

If that occurs, include a "release" letter stating that you are granting the agent exclusive evaluation rights until a response is received. Then don't send your novel out to anyone else until you hear back.

Multiple queries = okay

Multiple full submissions = NFG

Kasey Mackenzie · Apr 29, 2005

Sending out multiple queries to agents is more than acceptable, it's pretty much expected. The only time that changes is when an agent asks for a partial or entire manuscript submission. In that case, many ask for an exclusive chance to look at the manuscript. I do believe they ask for exclusives more often with fulls than partials. But if you're only sending out queries, multi-sub to your heart's content! I would recommend sending out to 5-10 agents at a time and waiting for feedback, however, because whatever feedback you get may cause you to tweak your query letter and then you can send the new letter out to the next batch of agents. In the meantime, definitely start working on your next writing project!

hoyateach · May 1, 2005

katdad said:
...Multiple full submissions = NFG

NFG?

Julie Worth · May 2, 2005

katdad said:
...if an agent (or publisher) replies and asks for your complete novel in response to your query, that's different.

If that occurs, include a "release" letter stating that you are granting the agent exclusive evaluation rights until a response is received. Then don't send your novel out to anyone else until you hear back.

Include a letter granting exclusive evaluation rights? Why on earth would you do that? That's just asking them to take their time.

DTKelly · May 11, 2005

Does the same apply to submitting queries to magazines?

I have an idea for an article that would fit in a few magazines, what happens if I send out multiple queries and get more than one acceptance?

(I'm new to the freelance game. duh. :ROFL:

)

edit to add-

I realize now that this is posted in the novel writing forum. I did a search for query and responded before I saw what forum it was in, please forgive!

maestrowork · May 11, 2005

Julie Worth said:
Include a letter granting exclusive evaluation rights? Why on earth would you do that? That's just asking them to take their time.

Yeah, I wouldn't do that either. I wouldn't grant them any exclusivity unless they ask for it. Then I'll give them a time frame.

Lenora Rose · May 11, 2005

maestrowork said:
Yeah, I wouldn't do that either. I wouldn't grant them any exclusivity unless they ask for it. Then I'll give them a time frame.

I would grant them exclusivity. BUt I would also give them a time frame off the hop, of roughly eight weeks, or twelve if I'm really eager. (Alas, so far this is only theory, if based on what several pros have said)

Query letters

Topcat136

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

stace001

Look into my eyes

katdad

Registered curmudgeon

Kasey Mackenzie

One Hit Wonder?

hoyateach

Dancing with limbo sticks

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

DTKelly

The Rememberer

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Lenora Rose

Renaissance Vixen