Too soon?

SarahinOhio · Jan 24, 2007

Hi guys,

I received an email this morning from an agent who wants to "talk about my novel." We've arranged a phone conversation for this Saturday, and I'm hoping that he's interested in offering representation (if he's not, then life is a cruel, cruel joke).

My only problem is that I'm wary about his sales record. He has a sterling reputation for his editorial work with a major publishing house, but since becoming an agent in 2004, his sales have been rather lackluster--mostly small presses, some of which, I have just discovered, don't require an agent to submit.

I have another full out right now, and several partials. Would it be presumptious of me to nudge the agent with the full (she's had it for several months), and let her know that I might be getting another offer? I'm pretty sure I'd rather go with her (she's new, but was an assistant at a very reputable agency). Or should I sit tight and wait until after my conversation with the agent on Saturday?

Any thoughts are much appreciated!

giftedrhonda · Jan 24, 2007

I'd wait until I actually had an offer, then call up everyone else who has material...

stormie · Jan 24, 2007

If he offers representation, then tell him another has the full and you'll get back to him soon. Then call or email the other agent asking the status of your ms. But wait 'til he offers representation.

Maprilynne · Jan 24, 2007

Once you have representation you can use that to get other offer from other agents. Once all the results are in you can sit down and make the very difficult choice of who you are going to go with. But don't call up the other agent just yet. Really, can you imagine that conversation?

Hey, Dream Agent. I have interest form another agent and wondered if you'd like to offer to represent me.

Oh, someone else had offered you representation?

Well, uh, no, but he's gonna.

Yeah, call me then.

However, congrats!! Phone calls are awesome. But it may not be THE call, bear that in mind. And if he wants to talk about the book, suggest revisiosn, those are all still very very good!!!! An initial phone call regarding revisions was the start of my relationship with my gent. Two months later she finally offered me a contract. But that first phone call was very dissapointing to me because it wasn't what I expected. So in case that is what he wants, by glad about it!!

Good luck and keep us in the loop!

Maprilynne

SarahinOhio · Jan 24, 2007

Thanks, everyone. I think I knew the answer to this one all along, but I suddenly feel so anxious to do something. Saturday feels ages away. And emails are so easy to send...

Maprilynne, I have already tried to temper my enthusiasm by realizing that this may be the first step in a looong process. I'm sure, as a former editor, that he's going to have plenty of revisions to suggest. Nonetheless, I hope that, like you, I will eventually have a contract to hold in my hands.

In fact, your story has been very inspiring to me.

Thanks again, and I will let everyone know how it goes....

Maprilynne · Jan 24, 2007

Isn't it just so instinctual to do something? Even if it's self-defeating, we want to do something, dammit!

But trust me, do nothing.

(Thus my signature. I wish I could bug my agent every day! But I won't. I will sit quietly, I will sit quietly, I will sit quietly.

)

Maprilynne

Too soon?

SarahinOhio

In My Blue Period

giftedrhonda

Gifted Goofball

stormie

storm central

Maprilynne

Author Waiting in the Wings

SarahinOhio

In My Blue Period

Maprilynne

Author Waiting in the Wings