Follow up from Agents

Usually they will call if they are interested in representing you. They won't just mail you a contract because that would be a bit presumptuous on their part. You have to agree to them representing you after all. Aside from that you kind of want to talk to them, ask them questions, make sure you can work with them (and they with you). The size of an envelope could be meaningful, I guess if it's small it means they haven't sent back your partial. But it could be totally meaningless. Obviously once you open the envelope, you'll know. But it is unlikely you will get such an offer off of a partial anyway. The next step is usually them asking for the full manuscript. An agent has to be able to know you are capable of completing a book, and doing it well.

When it happens, it will happen, and in whatever form it happens. It won't be cryptic. You'll know it. This is really not something you need to worry about! There are so many other wonderful things we writers have to be neurotic over!

Well, it varies, but if they arrive at your house in the middle of a rainstorm with a bottle of scotch, that's usually a good sign.

In my experience, sometimes they'll send a request for more material in the SASE you gave them, and sometimes they'll send an email. If they want to offer representation... I don't have any personal experience in this area, sadly, but I've heard they'll either call or email.

It's extremely unlikely an agent will offer representation until they've read the complete ms. Even then, some ask for some revision before commiting themselves.

After reading my full ms, my agent emailed to set up a phone conversation.

A request for a full came via email. The request for changes also came by email.

No agent will offer a contract sight unseen, based on a partial.

willietheshakes said:

Well, it varies, but if they arrive at your house in the middle of a rainstorm with a bottle of scotch, that's usually a good sign.

Click to expand...

Good news most often comes by e-mail

waylander said:

Good news most often comes by e-mail

Click to expand...

*checks inbox*

Nah. Not today.