When should I assume it is a "no" with an email query?

2 weeks ago were the holidays, they probably weren't too big on working then. Consider them working from the 4th onwards, so in reality it's been exactly one week?

Give it a bit and if you want send another batch of queries to help pass the time.

With the movement towards no response being a no, I'd assume it's a no immediately, and keep querying.

^ By which I don't think Wayne means that it necessarily IS a no, but that you should query and forget it. (unless I misunderstand) Don't pin hopes on lingering no responses -- keep moving.

But most agents say 6 weeks to 3 months means a no, depending on the agent. The shorter period is probably more accurate.

The guidelines of each agent should answer your question. There's no general rule -- it can be from one week to one year, or "consider no reply a no". While waiting, continue to query others.

I've nothing to add other than to agree with the others.

One thing - did you make sure that these agents were actually open for submissions when you sent them? Some agencies have just re-opened from the holidays. Aside from sorting through the holiday backlog, agencies who weren't accepting during this time period might have automatically deleted your query. But I wouldn't say to resend them (unless you're SURE a certain agency wasn't open for queries when you sent it) because you don't want to piss anyone off

Aside from that, I would agree with everyone else, and tell you to practice playing the waiting game

Wayne K said:

With the movement towards no response being a no, I'd assume it's a no immediately, and keep querying.

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Yes, consider it a pleasant surprise when you get a response.

If you're willing to invest the money, hard copy querying has been about a 90% response for me. I prefer it, but can't afford it.

I've been checking the agent's websites to see what they list as average response times, but also checking on querytracker.net to see what sort of stats they have. I put all that information into my spreadsheet so I can go back and check off the "it's a no." If there's no response time, I'm assuming two or three weeks is a no and moving on to the next. If I actually do get a response, like someone said, it's more of a pleasant surprise than anything.

Some of those average response times are bullshit. I've gotten emails back from publishers and agents who say "Average response time 3-6 months" within 2 hours.

I would just assume they are rejections, move on and continue querying, worst case scenario you are right. Best case they respond later on

I mark a query off my list after 2 months with no response. I've been pleasantly surprised with a couple of requests after several months. Then if a rejection comes in, it's no big deal, they're already on my "no" list.

I've had responses to e-queries come as late as six or seven months after it was originally sent. Two weeks is nothing; when three months have passed, chalk it up to a "no."

Unless (there's always an "unless") the agent's website says they respond to all queries. If it says this, and 3 months have passed without a response, try re-querying. It may have gotten misplaced/lost/never arrived in the first place.

I was going to post the same question. I got responses from all mailed queries and maybe three from e-mail queries (probably 15 e-mail queries).

AryaT92 said:

Some of those average response times are bullshit. I've gotten emails back from publishers and agents who say "Average response time 3-6 months" within 2 hours.

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It's worth pointing out that 'average' means that some will be less and others more. When someone has what's perceived as a hot property, the response can be lightning fast. That doesn't mean the stated average response time is 'bullshit'.

AryaT92, it would be helpful for you to get your head around the idea that your experience is extremely exceptional -- in the sense that's it's an exception to the norm. Which is terrific for you (and I mean that sincerely, not sarcastically). But you need to understand that what's happened to you isn't remotely typical, and it isn't helpful for you to give advice to others that's founded on your extremely atypical (and I might add, limited) experience.

Two months.

Jamesaritchie said:

Two months.

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I would give it longer than that; I have had requests for both full and partial manuscripts more than two months after my query was sent.

I would say three - or more if you're comfortable with it.

While you are waiting, though, I would keep sending those queries out.

I had a few trickle in at the year mark! R's for the first book I queried and I had since moved on to a second book, queried and got agented in the meantime. I also got a request at the 9 month mark from on agent. So the norm can vary tremendously.