Question on exclusives...

Do you mean that Agent 1 asked for an exclusive on the first three chapters, and you agreed? If so, for how long? If you did that, you need to honor it until the agreed period is up. If not, tell Agent 2 that someone else has a partial, and be sure to set a reasonable time limit on Agent 2's exclusive. Or, if you'd rather not give an exclusive (or not give one until you've heard back from Agent 1), you could tell Agent 2 that others are reading your work, and ask if A2 still wants the MS now, or if they'd rather wait until you can offer an exclusive. Note that you would be telling the truth, in each case, about someone else having your work, and you'd just be changing the emphasis.

Ok, are you saying agent 1 requested 3 chapters, then agent 2 came along and asked for the entire ms (while agent 1 is still looking at chapters), then agent 1 finishes 3 chapters, says, I like it so far, send me the entire ms and give me an exclusive...

If so, I would simply tell agent 1 that agent 2 requested a looksee before agent 1 asked for the exclusive, but that you won't send out any more partials or the ms to any other agents until pre-decided time. I doubt agent 1 will be upset or decide not to look at your ms (something similar happened to me, and agent 1 didn't mind) as long as you are honest with the agent and keep him/her up to date, and as long as he/she knows you won't be sending out anymore material until.

Does that make any sense?

It's too vague. If I were you, I would ask. He did say he would read and reply pronto on the first 50. But what is "pronto" -- for the time being, you might want to wait or at least ask the first agent when can you expect a reply.

Once he asks for a full, though, you will have to honor that exclusivity for sure. That means you will have to wait that 6 weeks.

Baywitch said:

I'd be happy to take a look at XXXXX,
but will do so only on an exclusive basis. If you are in agreement,
I suggest that we start by having you send the first
50 pages which I will read pronto.

Click to expand...

::scratches head:: Anyone know if it's common to ask for exclusives on partials? I can't think of a good reason an agent would have for that.

Aconite said:

::scratches head:: Anyone know if it's common to ask for exclusives on partials? I can't think of a good reason an agent would have for that.

Click to expand...

I have no idea why, but I have had agents ask for a partial and request an exclusive. I simply said no because other agents still needed time to respond to my query, and I never had an agent say, well, then don't send anything.

Check this thread:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25511

brinkett, you have an amazing memory. That thread puts a slightly different spin on things.