D4E0
Hi, I'm a bit reluctant to join this as I only put my name on the Newbies list yesterday. But I guess it's what this site is about so...
I finished a new novel recently that was a change of direction, so I decided to change agent as the one I had was more 'literary' than the new book. Anyway, I wanted a new London agent and approached one, she was interested and started reading. While she was, I decided to query a few more, just in case.
I tried Bob Diforio. He replied instantly, told me he was busy but liked the cover letter and CV and wanted to look at the MSS. This was on a Saturday. The next day he sent an email to say he had submitted the novel to a publisher (small to medium) he thought might be intersted. I was shocked and concerned, but thought, 'Where's the harm, feedback might be useful'.
As this was happening, the London agent got in touch to say she wanted to rep the novel and we signed. I informed Bob, he was very generous and offered his congratualtions. End of story.
Or is it? That nagging little voice told me it was wrong. Writers and agents do not deal this way. Sounding out the market by mutual agreement is fine. Firing off a wirtier's work to what might be the most expedient way of getting a quick fix is not. I don't even see how he had time to even read my novel before sending it off.
If you know these are the terms of engagement and you are happy, query. Me, I would want to see what the big players had to say first.
The same little voice told me I had heard a similar story to mine before. Today, I tracked it down. Look up G Jones Anyone who's Everyone (or whatever it is called) and check out his correspondence with Bob.
best,
Inkmonkey