After reading my next 25 pages, the literary agent who may potentially represent me, asked for the FULL MANUSCRIPT and an "EXCLUSIVE."
An exclusive means that I only show the whole book to her for a specific amount of time (approx. 3-4 weeks) and then she'll let me know if she wants to represent the project. I went ahead and emailed the other agents I had queried to let them know that I had a request for the entire manuscript as well as an exclusive. The reason you're supposed to let them know is to create interest and hopefully bring your query to the top of the pile. It's the equivalent of saying, "I'm great! Look at me! You want me!" or something like that.
This week, I'm going to go ahead with the exclusive. Then, while we're waiting, responses will be trickling in. They will most likely be rejections (I'm not being modest; I'm being realistic) and that will be fine. If any come back positive, I can let them know that another agent has an exclusive, but that I can give THEM an exclusive after that point. Then, we can try to see who feels like the best fit and/or can negotiate the best deal.
For the record, I'm still in shock.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Uncork the champagne, baby!
OK. I'm a little freaked out.
I sent out my first round of query letters to my first ten agents. Half of them I met this summer at a writers' conference, and they asked for me to send my synopsis and first three chapters when my book was complete. Two out of ten prefer email submissions, so I emailed them yesterday. The other eight I sent off today, on my way home from school.
I didn't expect to get an email response today. But I did, from both agents. One said, "Thanks for your query, but this doesn't sound right for us." I was expecting that. I was ready. I was NOT expecting the other one to say, "Dear Amy: I like this. Send me the next 25 pages. Look forward to the read." But it did.
No, it's not a deal, but it's the next step forward. And it's a step I didn't expect so soon. So, we're celebrating tonight.
Don't worry--I'll keep everyone up to date. At the rate I'm going, I'll be on my book tour by the end of the year.
I sent out my first round of query letters to my first ten agents. Half of them I met this summer at a writers' conference, and they asked for me to send my synopsis and first three chapters when my book was complete. Two out of ten prefer email submissions, so I emailed them yesterday. The other eight I sent off today, on my way home from school.
I didn't expect to get an email response today. But I did, from both agents. One said, "Thanks for your query, but this doesn't sound right for us." I was expecting that. I was ready. I was NOT expecting the other one to say, "Dear Amy: I like this. Send me the next 25 pages. Look forward to the read." But it did.
No, it's not a deal, but it's the next step forward. And it's a step I didn't expect so soon. So, we're celebrating tonight.
Don't worry--I'll keep everyone up to date. At the rate I'm going, I'll be on my book tour by the end of the year.
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