Agent Who Has My MSS Has Left Agency

ScribeLady

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Only two weeks ago, I received a request to see my manuscript from an agent affiliated with a major agency; I sent it to her. Today, I checked the agency's website and noticed that her name was no longer on the site. I called the agency and found out she is no longer there, but they refused to give me forwarding information. I have had no contact with this agent since forwarding my manuscript.

There was another agent there who also wanted to review my manuscript (my query had been circulated), but because she contacted me first, I had to decline his request. I now would like to contact him and ask him if he's still interested.

I'd welcome any and all insights about this situation.

Scribelady
 

Cyia

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If the requesting agent is not longer with the agency, then go for it. Just phrase the query appropriately. I'd use something like:

Dear agent,

You had requested to read my MS (title, genre), on (date). However, because another agent with your agency was reading it, I thought it a breach of protocol to place it with 2 agents there simultaneously. This agent has since left the agency, and I was wondering if you would still like to read it. For your convenience, I've included the original query and the first pages (or partial/full if that's what was requested) for your consideration.

(You can probably find out where the original agent landed by checking the "updated" feed at the bottom right of the QueryTracker main page. It shows which profiles the Admin has changed, so if the agent has confirmed a move, it'll likely be there.)
 

soopykun

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I agree with Cyia. At the same time, would you want to follow up with this particular agent if she's gone to another agency (unless she's left the biz altogether)? Or is the original agency that you like?
 

mbowman

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That sounds like what I'd do. I had the same sort of situation once, except it was with a regular query and not a submission. The agency didn't mind that I sent another letter to a different agent after the first had left, though they rejected it in the end, anyway. :(
 

scope

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Sounds good to me.
 

ScribeLady

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Thanks, everybody! You're all so supportive and helpful! I will, indeed, contact the other agent. Cyia provided a great framework for what I plan to say.

Best,

Scribelady
 

JeanniGrace

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Congratulations! That sounds like a really confusing situation to be in, I'm glad it all worked out for you.