Anonymous writes:
What’s the protocol when an agent makes an offer of representation and there are other agents interested in the book, too (i.e., agents who have requested fulls)? Is it kosher to ask the offering agent–after expressing genuine delight and great interest–for a short period of time to notify other interested agents before giving an answer? How do agents really feel about this–are they accepting of the competition, or resentful of being made to wait?
Dear Hot One:
It would be good to know if you told the agents in your query letter that you were sending your work out on multiple submission. Then they would certainly understand. But even if you didn’t, you’re fine. That’s the beauty of being in demand. It isn’t every day you get to be in the driver’s seat, just remember to take it slow and be courteous.
You ask if the first agent will feel resentful. The agent may be miffed. He did read the novel and get back to you first. He has gushed to you and wants to represent you. No one likes to find out he’s not the only guy in a tux with a corsage standing outside your door. But it’s not a race. Being first says a great deal about an agent’s enthusiasm, but how the agent behaves upon hearing that you have it out with others will tell you even more about that person. If he or she is gracious, that’s a good sign. He wants what’s best for you. If he puts enormous pressure on you, well, I wouldn’t like that. But this happens all the time, and my philosophy is: clients should have their choice (if they are fortunate enough to have a choice), and they will likely pick the agent who is right for them.
Anyway, here’s what I would do:
- Tell the interested agent that it’s out with others and you want to talk with all interested parties before making a decision. There are some agents who will only consider work if they have it exclusively. I think this is bullshit. But obviously if that is the case they will tell you and you will have to decide. Most of us understand that most writers are approaching multiple agents.
- Tell the other agents that you have interest and could they get back to you in a week or two.
- Have conversations with all interested parties, better yet come to NYC and meet them if at all possible.
- Don’t drag it out – agents don’t mind waiting, but nobody likes to be jerked around.
Anyway, Anonymous, don’t forget to write and tell us how you make out. Way cool.
Betsy Lerner 
First, love your blog. Discovered it when it went up on Lunch Automat. I loved your book, too, the Forest for the Trees, so was delighted to see the same no-nonsense tone in your blog.
May I ask you a question sort of similar to Anonymous’ in “Don’t You Want Me”: I have a novel out, fulls and partials, with about five agents. Each of them said to let them know if I got an offer of representation before I heard from them. Most of them have had the manuscript for seven months. I have emailed them about every two months asking politely if they’ve had a chance to look at the book. No response to any email from any agent. I finally sent letters via regular mail to the ones who have had it the longest, thinking maybe my emails were getting caught in their spam filters or something.
What should I make of this? Is no response on fulls and partials the norm now? Is there anything I can do to get movement on this poor book?
Thanks so much,
Tenterhooks
Magical thinking is thinking email got caught in the Spam filter — I think. Like, he’s not calling me back because he lost my number. But seven months from all of them? Maybe Rod Serling can explain it. I’d move on. Just send more out. Keep going.
[…] DC first wrote to me back in July. She was confused about how to leverage agent interest. And now look at her! […]