Should I ask a status update?

A

Anonymous

Anonymous

I didn't want to talk about this until I learned something concrete, but I need some perspective.

I sent queries to literary agents on a recent project and in November, one asked to see the manuscript. I sent it to him and I've kept an eye on his Twitter, so I'm aware he's busy with a backlog and odds are he snagged mine because if he likes it, he didn't want to lose his shot at it.

His agency's website says that for requested materials, if I haven't heard back in 12 weeks I should feel free to send the agent an email. It's been 15 weeks, so technically I can send an email, but 1. I know he's busy, and 2. I don't want to seem annoying or desperate. A different agency's information said "please contact" if nothing had been heard in 8-12 weeks. This one says feel free, which is less imperative.

On the one hand, I want him to like my work for what it is, not because he thinks some other agent might get it, so I should be happy to contact for a status update. On the other hand, that's not necessarily how the real world works, and that I haven't seen a follow-up email could be an indication that I have others reading the manuscript at this time, so might be more incentive for him to want to represent it.

I'm not sure what to do.
 
Tinwhistler

Tinwhistler

I wish I knew what to do here. I know exactly how you feel. I sent out agent queries with my first book, and got a few rejections. Some agents never responded back at all. Ever. I didn't want to seem desperate to the agents that hadn't responded, so I never wrote them.

After about 4 months, I self-published, and 4 more months later (8 months since sending queries, for those keeping track) an agent finally wrote me back expressing interest in representing my work. That interest evaporated when I told them I'd already self-published.
 
phil

phil

I guess if 12 weeks is normal, but this guy is particularly backed up it wouldn't hurt to wait a little more before seeing what's up.

I think I understand the idea behind not emailing at all, but if you don't actually have anyone else looking at it and you want this publisher over other for whatever reason I'd say to just send a friendly "hey what's up"
 
strawman

strawman

Anonymous said:
...could be an indication that I have others reading the manuscript at this time, so might be more incentive for him to want to represent it.
Click to expand...
Ah, you're wondering how to "play the game". Well, my advice won't be particularly useful if you prefer learning and exploiting the politics of publisher/author interaction.

Let's simplify this. The girl told you you could text her later, and it's definitely later, but you're still worried what message you'll be sending if you do text her.

Anonymous said:
I'm not sure what to do.
Click to expand...
Do what you want!

If it were me, I'd look at this as any other relationship I'm trying to build. If I like the company, and I've submitted a proposal, and they said "give us a few weeks" then I'd give them exactly that, then follow up:

"I submitted a proposal on November 18th, 'war and peace' about a puppy and a kitten and their complicated relationship. I believe this is a great opportunity for both of us, as this appears to fit your catalogue well, and I've heard nothing but good things from others who have worked with you before.

At the time you indicated you needed some time to review the proposal further, and I'd like to know what the status of the review process is.

I appreciate your time and effort on this, and look forward to working with you!"

But then I'm not interested in office politics. If they are cagey or want to jerk me around, I've got better things to do than dangle.

The publishing world may require a different touch, but business relationships are surprisingly similar to romantic relationships, and in particular you will generally find that over communication is better than the alternative.

But mostly, do what you want.

If that doesn't work, THERAPY.
 
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