How Fast?

DivaWriter · Aug 17, 2005

Quick Question:

I sent out a few query letters last week just to test the waters for my completed manuscript and received two requests for partial manuscripts.

I hadn't edited every page and took time to do that over this past weekend but with writing the synopsis, computer virus troubles, slow computers, etc, I've been delayed in sending out my entire package.

My question is, how fast SHOULD I have sent out the partials that were requested for submission and should I include any sort of "apology" for the delay in my cover letter?

I'm about a week behind the date of request and I'm wondering if this is tacky on my part? (ugh!)

Thanks for any input.

scfirenice · Aug 17, 2005

You should send it out as soon as possible. A week's not bad (you coulda been on vacation) but try and have it ready to go ASAP.

marcusgee · Aug 17, 2005

Yeah, generally you'll want to have that out ASAP so they don't forget about ya! I wouldn't mention the delay, as long as it wasn't excessive.

DivaWriter · Aug 18, 2005

Thanks so much Scfirenice and Marcusgee, I appreciate the feedback. I got the materials in the mail to both agencies.

:Clap:

rowriter · Aug 18, 2005

Good for you!! I hope you hear some good news back soon. :Clap:

SRHowen · Aug 18, 2005

Not to be a stink bomb, but most agencies and publishers have a huge amount of stuff coming in. Many writers feel they must get the thing in the mail before the ripped edges of the request package are cool.

Don't worry about it. They are not peeking in the mail box just to see if your requested partial made it yet. (if they thought the topic or plot were that hot, you would have gotten a phone call--or a request for a completed work) In fact, once it gets there it may sit with many other requested partials for some time before they even get a chance to look at it.

Shawn

aruna · Aug 18, 2005

SRHowen said:
(if they thought the topic or plot were that hot, you would have gotten a phone call--or a request for a completed work) In fact, once it gets there it may sit with many other requested partials for some time before they even get a chance to look at it.

Shawn

Yep. A rule of thumb is: if they telephone you, they're hot. If they mail or even snail mail you for the partial or full, it's only luke warm. You didn't mention what you got, a call or a mail?

DivaWriter · Aug 19, 2005

SRHowen, I sorta thought the same thing but wanted to get it out of my hands since procrastination does course through my veins!

Aruna, I emailed my queries and received replies from both agencies within a few hours of sending the original email.

I also sent emails to three others and I haven't heard anything from them, so the response time varies from agency to agency.

Writer2011 · Sep 23, 2005

Good luck to you Diva Writer.... by the way, I like your screen name

Cathy C · Sep 23, 2005

Congrats, Diva! Make sure that you wander over to this thread to check out the agents/publishers you've queried so far to make sure they've got a good reputation. A bad agent or publisher is MUCH worse than none at all! Good luck with the multiple requests!

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=792

How Fast?

DivaWriter

scfirenice

professional multitasker

marcusgee

DivaWriter

rowriter

Bibliophile

SRHowen

Erotica is not a four letter word!

aruna

On a wing and a prayer

DivaWriter

Writer2011

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!