Mentioning that you've contacted an agent before

angeliz2k

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I was just wondering what people's thoughts were.

I've submitted to a particular agent within the past year--it was probably seven or eight months ago. She passed on the project (though she did ask for a partial).

Now I have a new MS and project. When querying this agent (she's a very good prospect for my genre, historical), should I mention that I've contacted her before about a different project? Or should I just submit the new one without mentioning the old one that she passed on?
 

kaitie

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Personally, it would depend on the response to the old one. I don't really know what others would say to this, or the rule (if there is one), but if it was a form rejection or something that wasn't particularly enthusiastic, or definitely if it was outright negative, I wouldn't mention it at all. If she actually seemed interested but passed anyway and gave something other than a generic compliment, I'd mention it.
 

angeliz2k

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Alright. I thought I probably shouldn't. I just didn't want to come off as disingenuous if she remembered the last project. Though I know full well how unlikely THAT is, having worked at a literary agency. The number of submissions is overwhelming!
 

RainbowDragon

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I agree, unless you have a rapport with her or are submitting a revised version of a project you've queried her before (which I know you're not), there's no reason to mention you've submitted before.

Good luck!