I also posted this under 'bewares' because of an old thread about Wm Clark, but I think I need an agent's input on this ....
In the more than 14 weeks it took William Clark to reply to my query with a request for a partial, I attracted the interest of several other agents. Right now, six agents are considering the first few chapters of the manuscript. Note, however, that William Clark wrote:
"Please send the material (including a copy of your original query letter) to me at the address below ...
I prefer to read material on an exclusive basis, and return the courtesy by agreeing to consider your work in a timely manner. ..."
Of all the agents who have requested partials, William Clark is probably the agent whose representation I would want the most. So, how can I delicately phrase the info that I cannot provide him the exclusivity he prefers? What can I provide him in lieu of exclusivity -- a promise to give him 'dibs'? No, that's not a good idea -- just a promise to ... what?
Any ideas?
In the more than 14 weeks it took William Clark to reply to my query with a request for a partial, I attracted the interest of several other agents. Right now, six agents are considering the first few chapters of the manuscript. Note, however, that William Clark wrote:
"Please send the material (including a copy of your original query letter) to me at the address below ...
I prefer to read material on an exclusive basis, and return the courtesy by agreeing to consider your work in a timely manner. ..."
Of all the agents who have requested partials, William Clark is probably the agent whose representation I would want the most. So, how can I delicately phrase the info that I cannot provide him the exclusivity he prefers? What can I provide him in lieu of exclusivity -- a promise to give him 'dibs'? No, that's not a good idea -- just a promise to ... what?
Any ideas?