Help! What's an appropriate response to request for more?

Shiela · Jun 24, 2010

I recently recieved a request for the first 50 pages from an agent who aceepted my query and first 10 pages, and I'm not sure what's an appropriate response is. Do I tell him/her how honored and excited I am to have them read this? (Because I am!!!) Is gushing even acceptable? Or do I simply state that I have attached what they requested? Any help is greatly appreciated given that I really don't want to screw this up

Thanks in advance!!!

~Shiela

Ryan_Sullivan · Jun 25, 2010

Being excited is fine, but don't over do it. Just say thank you, let them know you appreciate their time/effort, let them know that anything other materials they need are available upon request, and turn it in. Good luck!

Terie · Jun 25, 2010

Shiela said:
I recently recieved a request for the first 50 pages from an agent who aceepted my query and first 10 pages, and I'm not sure what's an appropriate response is. Do I tell him/her how honored and excited I am to have them read this? (Because I am!!!) Is gushing even acceptable? Or do I simply state that I have attached what they requested? Any help is greatly appreciated given that I really don't want to screw this up Thanks in advance!!!

This. Keep it short, sweet, and professional.

'Thank you for your interest in <title>. Per your request, I've attached <or 'I've included', if sending hardcopy> the first 50 pages. I look forward to your reply.'

That's pretty much all you need to say. They're agents; they're in the biz; they know how excited you are; you don't need to say it.

And good luck!!

Shiela · Jun 25, 2010

Thanks so much for the advice and good wishes! Another question: she addressed me informally in her request (Hi, Shiela), should I respond the same? (Hi, first name) Or should it keep it formal (Dear Ms/Mr). Sorry about all the questions - this is my first time with a partial

~Shiela

Ryan_Sullivan · Jun 25, 2010

I would continue with the Mr/Ms for partials and fulls. If they ask for revisions, or you work with them after the full, then you can consider breaking that. But at this stage, just stick to being formal.

Shiela · Jun 25, 2010

Thanks again, Ryan

~Shiela

Bufty · Jun 25, 2010

If someone addressed me by my first name I would respond in like manner - but don't let the content become flippant.

One can still be professional even though in first name mode.

shaldna · Jun 25, 2010

Shiela said:
Is gushing even acceptable?

NO.

Kathleen42 · Jun 25, 2010

Shiela said:
Thanks so much for the advice and good wishes! Another question: she addressed me informally in her request (Hi, Shiela), should I respond the same? (Hi, first name) Or should it keep it formal (Dear Ms/Mr). Sorry about all the questions - this is my first time with a partial

~Shiela

I don't think it really matters. I've done it both ways.

And I agree with what everyone else said about the gushing. This is a business correspondence which could, potentially, lead to a working relationship. Do be polite and confident and do thank them for their time and interest. Don't gush.

cate townsend · Jun 25, 2010

You can't go wrong by corresponding with the agent like you would a potential business associate. Keep that in mind, and you'll be fine.

CaroGirl · Jun 25, 2010

Polite and professional, yes. I do indulge in the phrase: I was delighted to hear you were interested in reading more (or the rest) of *my MCs* story. It might trickle or seep, but it doesn't gush.

Shiela · Jun 25, 2010

Wow - thanks for all the advice! It's more helpful than you know

I'm much more confident moving forward now. Good luck, everyone, whatever your endeavors are!

~Shiela
officially partialed

Ruth2 · Jun 25, 2010

I respond in kind-- if they use my first name, I use theirs. I try to match their tone. No gushing or squeeing or anything like that.

Help! What's an appropriate response to request for more?

Shiela

May the words be ever in your favor

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer

Terie

Writer is as Writer does

Shiela

May the words be ever in your favor

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer

Shiela

May the words be ever in your favor

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

Kathleen42

crushing on fictional characters

cate townsend

CaroGirl

Living the dream

Shiela

May the words be ever in your favor

Ruth2

Tam, na Koncu Drevoreda