Response time to requested query?

This is my first post. I wasn't able to find a similar question answered, so I am asking -- how long is it reasonable to wait before getting a response to a query letter from an agent? I met with this agent at a pre-arranged appointment at a conference. I had submitted a query letter to her in advance, which we were to discuss at the appointment. The hope, of course, was that she would be interested in my novel and agree to represent me. Well, she didn't like my query letter and requested that I write a new one (marketing is my downfall) and send it to her with "requested information" on the envelope. I did that on June 29th. Am I being unrealistic in hoping for an answer by now? I know that with story submissions months can -- and do -- go by before a writer hears back. Should I just stay patient, send an Email, call, drop a note, or what? I'd appreciate some guidance! I don't want to be a nudge, but I don't want to be asleep at the switch either. Thanks for any advice.

I'm so grateful to have a place to ask my questions!

You are exactly correct. The agent didn't like my query letter and asked me to rewrite it and send the redone one to her . I have no idea why she didn't either reject my novel outright or ask for sample chapters. Maybe she was giving me a second chance to do better with the query letter before committing to asking for chapters. Maybe it was a test to see if she likes my writing. I honestly don't know. When we spoke, the agent said my book sounded better than she had expected from my query letter. It never occurred to me that she might be using me to come up with a letter she can shop around to publishers since she never asked to represent me.

I left the conference feeling like a D (can't bear to say an F!) student because she didn't ask for sample chapters, but I felt that at least there was a modicum of interest because she didn't just say sayonara. Time will tell, I guess.

At any rate, thanks for your feedback. If you have any other thoughts, I'd be happy to hear them.

Yes, I just sent a query. That's all I was asked to send.

I did check this agency's web site to see about response times, but it's not there. That's a good tip though about looking the agency up (It's Debra Fishpaw Agency, by the way) in an agent listing resource book. I will do that. Thanks a lot for the feedback and any other thoughts you may have.

Yes, I just sent a query. That's all I was asked to send.

I did check this agency's web site to see about response times, but it's not there. That's a good tip though about looking the agency up (It's Debra Fishpaw Agency, by the way) in an agent listing resource book. I will do that. Thanks a lot for the feedback and any other thoughts you may have.

Thanks, Euan. Your answer gives me a helpful frame of reference.

Take Care,
Writeon

Wow, Aconite, interesting information! Thank you so much. I actually feel a little better about my work, though worse about the pitfalls in this writing life. Well, that's why I picked my name -- I will WRITE ON, despite the aengst! Thanks for the help. It really does take a village, you know?

Best wishes,
Writeon