When to contact agent after sending requested revision

Little Bird · Mar 27, 2009

An agent read my full & called me in January. We discussed what she liked and disliked about the ms at length. The conversation ended with, "You'd have to make some drastic changes in order for me to take another look at it."

I made drastic changes, e-mailed asking if she'd like to see it, and less than an hour later got her reply: "I look forward to receiving it."

That was seven weeks and four days ago (not that I'm counting!

). She likes her ms snail mail, so I sent it priority mail, but neglected to ask for delivery confirmation.

I'm tempted to e-mail her if I haven't heard anything by the end of next week. She seems to be so quick to respond to e-mail, it's really tempting . . . Somebody stop me if that's a stupid idea.

Thanks.

ORION · Mar 27, 2009

Seven weeks is not very long. I would wait...if you want to see if she received it a short email asking if it arrived is not out of line.

Little Bird · Mar 27, 2009

I know it's not that long, but it sure feels that way. I keep checking my calendar to make sure it really hasn't been longer!

I feel like I should have e-mailed right away if I wanted to ask whether she received it. Please, everyone, get delivery confirmation (doesn't require signature) and spare yourself this misery. I'm afraid if I do it now it will come across as a nudge, or an indication that I'm freaking out, thinking she must not have gotten it if I haven't heard from her yet.

What is an appropriate length of time to wait before asking about the status of my ms?

Thanks for the feedback

scope · Mar 27, 2009

I know it takes time, but I would send a short, to the point email re status. After seven weeks I don't think it matters whether you wait another week or two.

flyingtart · Mar 28, 2009

If you email to ask whether she received it, she may give an indication of whether she's looked at it yet.

Remember, an agent's first priority is their existing clients so you have to be content with being at the back of the queue. Better to get on with writing your next novel and try to forget about it.

ChaosTitan · Mar 28, 2009

flyingtart said:
If you email to ask whether she received it, she may give an indication of whether she's looked at it yet.

Remember, an agent's first priority is their existing clients so you have to be content with being at the back of the queue. Better to get on with writing you next novel and try to forget about it.

Good advice.

Also, another method folks use instead of delivery confirmation is to drop a posted post card into the submission package, addressed back to you. Few agents will have a problem adding it their outgoing mail.

loiterer · Mar 29, 2009

Did you offer her an exclusive for a set period of time? If that time has passed, then definitely drop a quick email.

If not; how long did the agent take the first time she read your full? I'd use that as a barometer. e.g. if she took 3 months to read the full last time, then I'd personally leave it another month, and in the meantime query other agents.

But if you're truly dying of anxiety, it's probably okay to shoot off a really short sweet email.

Little Bird · Mar 29, 2009

I declined an exclusive on the first full, so I assume that applies to the revised version.

Using the amount of time she took to get back to me the first time (six weeks) to judge how long I should wait sounds like a good idea, except that she had the first full over the holidays. I'm not sure whether that means she had more time or less to read. She did tell me, "I read your manuscript over my break."

Several of you have suggested that a brief e-mail would be harmless. As I said before, it's tempting . . . but has anyone out there had that backfire on them?

Thanks so much for the advice!

flyingtart · Mar 29, 2009

Little Bird said:
Several of you have suggested that a brief e-mail would be harmless. As I said before, it's tempting . . . but has anyone out there had that backfire on them?

I was in this situation with an agent recently and he replied immediately. As long as you keep it short and polite, I can't imagine anyone would mind. And it'll put your mind at rest.

Danthia · Mar 30, 2009

You might also check her website (if she has one) and see if there's a typical response time mentioned. Three months is pretty common, so seven weeks is a little early. If she happens to have multiple contracts or negotiations going on right now, or clients books to review, she could be behind.

Little Bird · Mar 31, 2009

Danthia said:
You might also check her website (if she has one) and see if there's a typical response time mentioned. Three months is pretty common, so seven weeks is a little early. If she happens to have multiple contracts or negotiations going on right now, or clients books to review, she could be behind.

Good advice. Thanks. Unfortunately no such info on the website. Oh, well.

Little Bird · Apr 3, 2009

So, I e-mailed her today asking if the ms arrived safely. She said, "It did. And my assistant and I are working on an editorial letter and manuscript edits right now. We plan to have them ready next week. Hope that's OK."

Does an "editorial letter" usually come with an offer to represent me, should I agree to those edits?

I'm doing a happy dance either way! :PartySmil

ORION · Apr 3, 2009

and if she asks for your first born son give him up as well! lol
of course ... IF you want her to represent you.
many times agents that are interested in you ask you to do revisions to see how fast and well you work...ALL manuscripts need editing...

Little Bird · Apr 3, 2009

I think I worded my question poorly. I really, really, really want this agent. I will say yes if she offers to represent me.

My question is: Does the fact that she's sending me edits mean that those will come with an offer of representation? Is that usually the case? Keep in mind, I've already been through the "make drastic changes and then I'll consider looking at it again" business with this agent.

SJAB · Apr 4, 2009

ORION said:
many times agents that are interested in you ask you to do revisions to see how fast and well you work...ALL manuscripts need editing...

That happened to me. At the time I assumed it was a test to see if I could work on revisions in a business like fashion, without throwing my toys out the pram. Even since signing I have done another set of edits. The idea, according to my agent, is to have the manuscript so shiny no editor can resist it. lol

waylander · Apr 4, 2009

That she mentions working on an editorial letter sounds hugely encouraging as that is the pitch letter she sends out to editors to persuade them to read it.
Sounds like you are very close to getting an offer

flyingtart · Apr 4, 2009

Little Bird said:
So, I e-mailed her today asking if the ms arrived safely. She said, "It did. And my assistant and I are working on an editorial letter and manuscript edits right now. We plan to have them ready next week. Hope that's OK."

Does an "editorial letter" usually come with an offer to represent me, should I agree to those edits?

I'm doing a happy dance either way!

Oh, how exciting, LB! :hooray:

Do keep us posted.

scope · Apr 4, 2009

I think it would be presumptuous to assume that an agent's request for revisions will be accompanied by an offer to represent.

Although I don't know the precise meaning of an editorial letter, I've always assumed it to be other than what waylander describes. I think it means a letter sent to you in which the editor elaborates on the reasons why s/he believes revisions and editing are necessary. Not sure???

stormie · Apr 4, 2009

The only thing I can tell you from my own past experiences, is she didn't flat out say on the phone "We're passing on it. Best of luck elsewhere." At least you know she's considering it.

Let us know how it goes.

Little Bird · Apr 4, 2009

Thanks for the support, everybody!

If anyone has any more experience with "editorial letters" please let me know, as I'm still confused, but optimistic.

When to contact agent after sending requested revision

Little Bird

ORION

Sailed away years ago

Little Bird

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

flyingtart

Warning: may contain humour.

ChaosTitan

Around

loiterer

Little Bird

flyingtart

Warning: may contain humour.

Danthia

Little Bird

Little Bird

ORION

Sailed away years ago

Little Bird

SJAB

Being edited for submission

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

flyingtart

Warning: may contain humour.

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

stormie

storm central

Little Bird