Interval between querying another novel

Dgullen · Nov 17, 2011

Hi everyone,

I have two novels I'm looking for representation for, one's near-future SF, the other is contemporary urban fantasy, so target agents/agencies are similar. I wondered what peoples opinions are on how soon it is sensible to query the second novel after querying the first to any given agent.
My main worry is I don't want to give the impression I'm just churning through the trunk novels - I'm not, I'm proud of them both. On the other hand should I not worry and let the work speak for iteslf?

Thanks,

Dave

LydiaNetzer · Nov 17, 2011

Pitch one -- choose your best work, or if you can't decide, think of what would work the best as a first novel. If you get a hit on that one, you can always pitch the other one and talk to the agent about it as a possibility. Even if you get a request for a partial, and then it doesn't work out, you can come back with the other book. But definitely do not pitch two novels in your first query.

Drachen Jager · Nov 17, 2011

I'd give it a month. They're not very likely to remember your name after that time-period, unless they were impressed or your query was so god-awful they tacked it up on the office pin-board for a laugh. Either way it can't hurt to query again after a month.

Chalula88 · Nov 17, 2011

I agree with Drachen Jager, I don't think there's anyway they would remember you after a month.

MandyHubbard · Nov 18, 2011

Yes, I'd give it a month as well-- after you receive your rejection, that is, not just a month apart. I don't tend to look at the names so much as the pitch itself.

If you get a full request and it comes really close, then consider mentioning the other as a reply. That's the only time i'd reccomend replying to a rejection with a pitch.

one of my clients was someone I rejected who replied in this way!

thothguard51 · Nov 18, 2011

31 days, 17 hours, and 28 minutes and not a minute sooner...

Interval between querying another novel

Dgullen

Ustom Ser Itle

LydiaNetzer

If the crockpot fits...

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

Chalula88

MandyHubbard

Once Upon a Time....

thothguard51

A Gentleman of a refined age...