Can I query more than one?

You are expected to query multiple agents. Most suggest you query in smal batches, say 5-10 so you can gauge responses and revise your query accordingly if you need to. Make sure not to query agents at the same agency AT THE SAME TIME. Some agencies are fine with querying other agents after you've been rejected by one, just read their policies carefully.

I only ever have 3 submissions out at once.

Do you mean simultaneous submissions, or are you offering multiple MS to the same agent?

I wouldn't query more than say 20 (ideally less) before waiting to get some sense of how your query is working, but people usually query several agents at a pop

Get yourself a list of agents who rep your genre, then query in batches of whatever size you're comfortable with. That way if you get no response, you can try and tweak your query before the next batch.

I presume you've read through AW's list of agents who handle sf/f.
If not, it is here http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42019

Writer's Block said:

Thank you very much! I'm sure this seemed like a very stupid and nood-like question, but I really appreciate all your answers. You all rock!

Click to expand...

everyone's gotta learn.


i will say, if you are killing time then looking back through several pages of threads in the various forums, you can learn a hell of a lot. also, I sent a link to agentquery--check their other sections besides just agent listings--they have a lot of info there on querying, submissions, etc.

Buena Suerte, pizza-slinger

"Query widely, query often." - Miss Snark.

Also, when you make your list of peeps to query, you might to consider putting your top picks a little ways down the list. Your query will probably evolve/improve as you get rejected, and your ms probably will too (despite trying your absolute best to make it perfect before you start querying, you will inevitably spot things to change).

Some folks will disagree with this one though, so take it (as all advice) with a grain of salt.