phone call mid-read?!... and... ARRGH?!

Lonegungrrly · Jan 16, 2014

So I sent a query to an agent before xmas with the first three chapters. A few days later, he replied saying he'd read the first 3, liked it, and thought the attachment was the full ms and could he send me the full, please? um.. sure!

Then 8th jan (not that it isn't engrained into my mind or anything!)

he phoned me, out of the blue, said he was half way through the full ms, and really enjoying it. We basically had a 20 minute convo about the characters... what I'd like to do in the future, (series potential came up) and how he thought my ms was "exceptionally polished". He asked me how many other people had the query, I said a handful, but he was in my top 3. Then he even used the words (and I swear I wasn't hallucinating) "Well, please don't sign with anyone else until I've finished reading"

He said he'd finish reading, then be back in touch soon.

I know guys, I KNOW it's only been a few days! but with how fast he responded all the other times, I just kinda assumed he'd phone a few days after.

basically... this is a good thing right? And... He hasn't forgotten about me? and... How long should I leave it until I give him a polite email for an update?

thanks!
*happy dance*

Calla Lily · Jan 16, 2014

1. Congrats!
2. Do NOT email.
3. Breathe.
4. Catch up on Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad or something long on Netflix.
5. Breathe.
6. That's pretty much how I signed with my agent.

Good luck!

Putputt · Jan 16, 2014

Congratulations!!!

It's only been a few days, so I wouldn't nudge. I'd send a nudge e-mail maybe in a month's time, if you still haven't heard back. Best of luck!!

Filigree · Jan 16, 2014

What everyone else said. Be cool, go do something else. You are already better off than most unpublished authors. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Cathy C · Jan 16, 2014

First,

Second, Definitely breathe.

Third, remember that once the agent has read it, he might well need to take a few days to mull it in his mind and think about what editor(s) to show it to.

You're in a good place. Just relax and enjoy the rush for now.

arkanis50 · Jan 16, 2014

Sounds like a good problem to have!

Siri Kirpal · Jan 16, 2014

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Hang in there!

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Hanson · Jan 16, 2014

Lonegungrrly said:
So I sent a query to an agent before xmas with the first three chapters. A few days later, he replied saying he'd read the first 3, liked it, and thought the attachment was the full ms and could he send me the full, please? um.. sure!

Then 8th jan (not that it isn't engrained into my mind or anything!)

he phoned me, out of the blue, said he was half way through the full ms, and really enjoying it. We basically had a 20 minute convo about the characters... what I'd like to do in the future, (series potential came up) and how he thought my ms was "exceptionally polished". He asked me how many other people had the query, I said a handful, but he was in my top 3. Then he even used the words (and I swear I wasn't hallucinating) "Well, please don't sign with anyone else until I've finished reading"

He said he'd finish reading, then be back in touch soon.

I know guys, I KNOW it's only been a few days! but with how fast he responded all the other times, I just kinda assumed he'd phone a few days after.

basically... this is a good thing right? And... He hasn't forgotten about me? and... How long should I leave it until I give him a polite email for an update?

thanks!
*happy dance*

callalily61 said:
1. Congrats!
2. Do NOT email.
3. Breathe.
4. Catch up on Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad or something long on Netflix.
5. Breathe.
6. That's pretty much how I signed with my agent. Good luck!

Toughy. I'm gonna have to say....

Game of Thrones

just to clarify, BB is better, but it aint chillin out Tv, so...

RaisaLlyn · Jan 16, 2014

Wow! congrats! Keep us posted and good luck

Lonegungrrly · Jan 17, 2014

Thanks guys!

I think I'll crack on with a different writing project, and see what comes of it.

I am ashamed to admit I'm doing that thing where I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack every time my phone rings.

Speaking of game of thrones... I wish it were back on air sooner it's my fave show (and book series, tho I don't write in that genre)

V.J. Allison · Jan 17, 2014

Congratulations! I hope you hear from him, with good news, soon!

Parametric · Jan 17, 2014

I wouldn't entirely get your hopes up at this stage. It's not unknown for agents to seem excited but then disappear off the face of the earth. Hope for the best, expect the worst.

Lonegungrrly · Jan 17, 2014

Parametric said:
I wouldn't entirely get your hopes up at this stage. It's not unknown for agents to seem excited but then disappear off the face of the earth. Hope for the best, expect the worst.

Very true. I Just hope I know one way or the other eventually

Hip-Hop-a-potamus · Jan 17, 2014

Jealous!

Good vibes and all that stuff being sent from up north. You're definitely in a good place!

Hip

Rhoda Nightingale · Jan 17, 2014

Congratulations!!!

That is indeed a problem I'd love to have. And I third the recommendation of marathoning some good popcorn-TV. That's an excellent way to pass the time if you're too keyed up. I'd suggest reading the GoT books as well, but if you're anything like me, then you'll only get halfway down the page before your mind flips out and you start wanting to check your email again.

Keep cool, and good luck!

Phaeal · Jan 17, 2014

Keep writing. The signs are all positive, so you may want to have new MS to discuss before long.

And whatever happens, you know your current MS-in-sub has legs.

Hang in -- art is long, and so is publishing.

Lonegungrrly · Jan 20, 2014

Mini update nothing big

Still not heard anything, but it hasn't even been 2 weeks yet, and I have looked (obsessed?) overy tons of older threads on here and that seems the norm. I think the wait has snapped me out of my giddy stupid make a fool of myself excitement so hopefully if I do get another call I can be slightly more professional!! Haha

Also, 40k into my new book, which is completely different genre to the one out at the moment. I just needed a complete break from it. Ive also (rather optimistically) outlined the sequels for the one out, so at least im using my time wisely. Still madenning tho!

Oh and I powered through Many seasons of House! Thanks for all the replies it has helped me keep occupied!

Also a dumb question... I live 300 miles away from said potential agents... I've read up a lot but can you be represented at least initially without ever meeting face to face?

Parametric · Jan 20, 2014

You don't need to ever meet an agent. Phone and email is plenty. Agents represent writers on different continents, let alone 300 miles away.

Lonegungrrly · Feb 11, 2014

Got a call today, 4 weeks after the first call, with more positive feedback and a list of revisions. We had a long chat on the phone, and I came away very positive! I Haven't I been given a deadline, and one revision in particular is extensive, so I'm going to take my time. He wants to see it when I'm done, which is something to work towards!

Calla Lily · Feb 11, 2014

Much good luck!

Cathy C · Feb 11, 2014

Fingers crossed for you!

Siri Kirpal · Feb 12, 2014

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Ah! An R & R. May it go well!

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

mahervolous · Feb 12, 2014

You're doing great! Something to work on and sink your teeth into, not a bad problem to have. The wait is killer, though. If you ever get tired of people moping around Westeros killing each other or a teacher cooking meth, check out Spaced on Netflix. It is a fantastic British sitcom and will take your mind (at least some of it) away from the refresh button on your email.

atthebeach · Feb 12, 2014

Congrats!!!

alwazoo · Feb 12, 2014

Congratulations! Seems like it is moving in the right direction!!

phone call mid-read?!... and... ARRGH?!

Lonegungrrly

Calla Lily

On hiatus

Putputt

permanently suctioned to Buz's leg

Filigree

Mildly Disturbing

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

arkanis50

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

Hanson

RaisaLlyn

Lonegungrrly

V.J. Allison

Sunny with a Side of Evilness

Parametric

Lonegungrrly

Hip-Hop-a-potamus

My rhymes are bottomless

Rhoda Nightingale

Vampire Junkie

Phaeal

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

Lonegungrrly

Parametric

Lonegungrrly

Calla Lily

On hiatus

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

mahervolous

Middle Grade Man

atthebeach

In my happy place

alwazoo