I had a Big Agent write me back and ask me if she would be reading this exclusively. I've queried about 20 other agents but she is the first to ask for my proposal. Does that mean she's "Exclusive" if she is the only one reading my manuscript? Do I tell this agent that I have queried others but will refrain from doing so until I hear back from them? I'm a bit confused about proper etiquette here...
Exclusivity...
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If no one else is reading it, then yes, technically she has it exclusively.
BUT. If she wants to read it exclusively, and you're willing to give her exclusivity (meaning if you get another request you delay sending the materials until she's given you a yes or no), you two need to agree on a time frame. I wouldn't give longer than 30 days at the most and that's if you really, really want her and want to grant her the exclusive. A week or two is better. My agent asked for a week's exclusive--I couldn't give it to him because several others had the full, but he still only asked for a week and he's a busy man.
BUT. If she wants to read it exclusively, and you're willing to give her exclusivity (meaning if you get another request you delay sending the materials until she's given you a yes or no), you two need to agree on a time frame. I wouldn't give longer than 30 days at the most and that's if you really, really want her and want to grant her the exclusive. A week or two is better. My agent asked for a week's exclusive--I couldn't give it to him because several others had the full, but he still only asked for a week and he's a busy man.