TIME SENSITIVE QUESTION ABOUT EXCLUSIVES

Aldrey

Writer in the making
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 20, 2010
Messages
388
Reaction score
50
Location
Southern California
I have received a request for a partial and a full synopsis. The agent wants me to grant them an exclusive for four weeks. At present, I have two fulls out and two partials. These agencies have not asked for an exclusive. The agent who wants the exclusive is large and prestigious. How can I grant them an exclusive when I have material already submitted? I really don't want to miss this opportunity. Can I grant the exclusive in spite of the material out there and just not fufill anymore requests for partials or fulls going forward. Need the groups wisdom. Thanks in advance.
 

litgirl

Super Member
Registered
Joined
May 16, 2007
Messages
170
Reaction score
12
If you have materials already out, you cannot logically grant an exclusive. What you can do is explain that you'd love to give them an exclusive but at present other agents are reading. If the requesting agent would still like to read, you'd of course hold off on sending your work out to anyone else until they'd had a look. From what I've heard from most people in this situation, most agents will still want to take a look. There are a couple out there who are sticklers about exclusives, but it is really a very small number.

Also--in this case it is clear (the agent wants it for four weeks), but any time you grant an exclusive, be sure to name a time frame! I've known people who didn't, and things got rather tangly...
 

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer
Super Member
Registered
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
829
Reaction score
86
Location
CA
Yep, definitely explain you can't because there are others already reviewing it, but you can agree not to send it out anymore for the 4 weeks. It sounds like you have enough bites that you can take a break. Good luck!
 

Twizzle

Cluck that.
Super Member
Registered
Joined
May 31, 2007
Messages
1,457
Reaction score
461
Location
Middle of the road.
Yep, definitely explain you can't because there are others already reviewing it, but you can agree not to send it out anymore for the 4 weeks. It sounds like you have enough bites that you can take a break. Good luck!

You can also not agree and continue to send it out. Why take a break? If it's that good you're getting requests, esp for exclusives? They're legitimate options and cases can be made for and against both.

Personally, I'd actually send the ms with your response--sorry, can't grant an exclusive but if you're still interested, well, here you go. But it's your book, Aldrey. Research both options and decide which is better for you. Then go with that. Good luck with your requests!
 

Aldrey

Writer in the making
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 20, 2010
Messages
388
Reaction score
50
Location
Southern California
Thanks for all the good advice. I told the agent another agent was currently viewing my manuscript. I then asked if they would still be open to receiving my material. They thanked me for my honesty and said yes to receiving my submission. I agreed to let them know if I get an offer during the viewing period.