Request for submission history

jlmott · Nov 28, 2016

I just received a request from an agent for the full manuscript after my initial query (woo-hoo! :hooray:

). In addition, the agent requested a short bio and a submission history. The bio I am not so worried about, but I am not quite sure about the submission history. The exact wording is this: "include a submission history for the work, if applicable (of publishers who have seen or who are currently considering it)." I have not submitted to other publishers, but I have sent queries to other agents, including one rejection. Should I list the agencies and/or the agents who I have queried?

ElaineA · Nov 28, 2016

No. It seems very clear to me they mean publishers who've seen it (thus taking them off the table for the agent's sub-list). I'd just say "The manuscript has not been submitted to any publishers." and leave it at that. Agents should (and do) expect you've queried their peers.

JulianneQJohnson · Nov 28, 2016

I agree with the above. It's much easier for an agent to submit a project if they don't have to take into consideration a list of publishers you've already sent the project to. The fact that you have not submitted to any publishers yet is a good thing in this situation.

jlmott · Nov 28, 2016

Thank you Elaine and Julianne. Your explanations make a lot of sense.

Old Hack · Nov 28, 2016

Spot on. Agents want to know that they're receiving a manuscript without a history. That's all this is about.

popmuze · Dec 1, 2016

Is there a time limit on submission history? Let's say the manuscript was submitted to a few places 8-10 years ago and has been greatly revised since then?

Old Hack · Dec 1, 2016

You'd probably be ok to ignore that submission history, but I would mention it just in case. Some people spend a long time in their jobs and might remember your book: if your agent didn't know about its previous history, it would break their trust in you.

blacbird · Dec 1, 2016

jlmott said:
I am not quite sure about the submission history. The exact wording is this: "include a submission history for the work, if applicable (of publishers who have seen or who are currently considering it)." I have not submitted to other publishers,

Did you actually read this statement carefully? It plainly says "of publishers who have seen or who are currently considering it." And you plainly state that you haven't sent it to any publishers.

So, just tell 'em you haven't sent it to any publishers.

caw

IsraellaBaht · Dec 21, 2016

You didn't send it to any others so just tell them that.

Request for submission history

jlmott

Hello, I must be going

ElaineA

All about that action, boss.

JulianneQJohnson

Ferret Herder

jlmott

Hello, I must be going

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

blacbird

IsraellaBaht