Okaaay, then...this wasn't a one-time occurrence, but possibly her standard operating procedure. It's not industry standard, but might be worth it if she 'clicks' with your work.
Yikes on bikes I'm glad she form rejected me!This is a big beware for this agent now that she's come up in my twitter feed a few times in the last few weeks and in conversations at conferences:
When she offers rep, she requires 2-4 DAYS response time instead of the standard 2 weeks. This happened to me personally when she offered representation. Firstly it's unprofessional. Secondly, it's just not enough time to make a considered choice, to allow other agents to respond, or to be respectful of an author's time. Thirdly it's a predatory practice that is in no way defensible.
When you do sign with her, please be aware that unless you sell immediately you will have 2 weeks to several months response time from her going forward. Sure she's fast with query responses, but. . . don't expect it to last.
Additionally, as others have pointed out in other places, Stringer Lit doesn't currently represent BiPOC/queer/minority authors.
Bunch of red flags from this agency and I just needed to get this off my chest. Hopefully, others will steer wide and clear.
Is this her in your Twitter feed/speaking at conferences or people talking about her on Twitter and at conferences? I've been the grist in the rumor mill many times, and nothing flattering ever gets around.This is a big beware for this agent now that she's come up in my twitter feed a few times in the last few weeks and in conversations at conferences:
My understanding (based on a friend's experience, not my own, sadly) is that a response is expected at the time they offer representation, but if another agent is looking at your full you can request one or two weeks. Did another agent have a full and you needed more time? My understanding (based on my experience) is that one is supposed to thoroughly vet an agent prior to submitting. Why would I query an agent I don't want to work with?When she offers rep, she requires 2-4 DAYS response time instead of the standard 2 weeks. This happened to me personally when she offered representation. Firstly it's unprofessional. Secondly, it's just not enough time to make a considered choice, to allow other agents to respond, or to be respectful of an author's time. Thirdly it's a predatory practice that is in no way defensible.
I've heard this is pretty normal...so you are an active client of hers now, or is this other people?When you do sign with her, please be aware that unless you sell immediately you will have 2 weeks to several months response time from her going forward. Sure she's fast with query responses, but. . . don't expect it to last.
While a lot of agents will say that they welcome [group] to submit, or they're only taking submissions from [group] at this time (because there's a lot of ground to make up in the industry), just because this agency doesn't say that on their site (her site does not, I looked) doesn't mean that they won't. Authors don't have to out themselves to agents if they don't want to. Has anyone checked Publisher's Marketplace to see who current clients are?Additionally, as others have pointed out in other places, Stringer Lit doesn't currently represent BiPOC/queer/minority authors.
I'm sorry for coming across as argumentative, but the line between your personal experience and what was heard/seen on social media/places is a little blurry. Reading back in the thread slightly (10 years), there are some great reviews from active members and the bad ones seems to come from people who are...not. And I have to be honest, her wanting a quick response or being cranky about someone offering her another agent's R&R don't seem particularly egregious to me.Bunch of red flags from this agency and I just needed to get this off my chest. Hopefully, others will steer wide and clear.
No, Brigit...It's considered good business practice now to give other agents considering your submission 14 days. Some day just the fulls...other say queries too. You stop querying, of course, but an agent should not pressure you into accepting immediately. That IS a red flag.Thank you for the update that she still expects an answer in short order, but I have questions.
Is this her in your Twitter feed/speaking at conferences or people talking about her on Twitter and at conferences? I've been the grist in the rumor mill many times, and nothing flattering ever gets around.
My understanding (based on a friend's experience, not my own, sadly) is that a response is expected at the time they offer representation, but if another agent is looking at your full you can request one or two weeks. Did another agent have a full and you needed more time? My understanding (based on my experience) is that one is supposed to thoroughly vet an agent prior to submitting. Why would I query an agent I don't want to work with?
I've heard this is pretty normal...so you are an active client of hers now, or is this other people?
While a lot of agents will say that they welcome [group] to submit, or they're only taking submissions from [group] at this time (because there's a lot of ground to make up in the industry), just because this agency doesn't say that on their site (her site does not, I looked) doesn't mean that they won't. Authors don't have to out themselves to agents if they don't want to. Has anyone checked Publisher's Marketplace to see who current clients are?
I'm sorry for coming across as argumentative, but the line between your personal experience and what was heard/seen on social media/places is a little blurry. Reading back in the thread slightly (10 years), there are some great reviews from active members and the bad ones seems to come from people who are...not. And I have to be honest, her wanting a quick response or being cranky about someone offering her another agent's R&R don't seem particularly egregious to me.
Eons ago, before Twitter hit the Musk iceberg and I fled that sinking ship, I saw horrible advice there like, "get an offer from an agent and then leverage it to get more offers!" Believe it or not, Twitter has had a huge impact on how agents operate.
If you have the time and wouldn't mind clarifying which are your personal experiences and which are not, I would greatly appreciate it. Ms. Stringer is on my list for my next batch of queries. If you'd rather not, that's fine too, and thank you for providing an update.
Please, call me Brigid.No, Brigit
To me it was unclear if there was another agent reviewing the MS. That was one of my questions because yes, if another agent has your full, notifying them that you have an offer on the table and giving them up to two weeks (one, at minimum) is the expected courtesy....It's considered good business practice now to give other agents considering your submission 14 days. Some day just the fulls...other say queries too. You stop querying, of course, but an agent should not pressure you into accepting immediately. That IS a red flag.
Usually agent kerfuffles get blown up and shared in writing circles, the was one a week or so ago even. I am just hesitating to hang my hat on the information as presented and hope to get some clarification.The rest? That can be argued. Although I haven't seen any Twitter kerfuffle regarding her specifically. And I usually notice the kerfuffle...
Sorry about the name thing! *blush*Please, call me Brigid.
To me it was unclear if there was another agent reviewing the MS. That was one of my questions because yes, if another agent has your full, notifying them that you have an offer on the table and giving them up to two weeks (one, at minimum) is the expected courtesy.
If you have just a query out to other agents they do want to know if you have an offer on the table, but I don't think the same length of time applies unless they respond and ask for time to read it. Just a query is a little fuzzier, but personally an offer on the table is worth more than a maybe that will probably be a pass. In these days of CNRs, which agents are you notifying even?
I perceive the two-day thing as more arrogant than predatory, but just like with any other profession, once you reach a certain level of success you can afford to be arrogant.
Usually agent kerfuffles get blown up and shared in writing circles, the was one a week or so ago even. I am just hesitating to hang my hat on the information as presented and hope to get some clarification.
It's weird...I'm increasingly seeing websites say "Please let us know if you have an offer" regardless if you gave them a full or not.