How many agents should i query

It used to be best to send small batches of queries at a time. If you got requests for the full manuscript, great, keep querying. If you got passes, revisit your query and sample pages, and send a new batch the revised version. Easy enough. Then no-response-equals-no became the norm. This makes it impossible for the author to know what happened — was it a rejection? Are they just slow to respond? Did my email get caught in a spam filter?

Now sending small rounds can mean waiting indefinitely. Within the first couple of days, I had four full requests. I considered that validation enough, and queried all the rest of the agents on my list within two weeks. I only got two rejections on the full before getting my first offer, but if I did, I would have missed an opportunity to revise — so I was a definitely more impatient than I would generally recommend. Sales experience and agency clout are definitely factors you want to consider.

But for me, so much hinged on the phone call. I wanted an agent who was super excited about my book, and whose vision was most in line with mine. Excitement matters so much. If you want an agent who ensures your MS is in the best shape possible before submitting, you might choose one who had more feedback to offer. Conversely, you might not want to make edits that would significantly change your story. This is all definitely a personal preference and judgement call you need to make yourself.

Trust your gut on this one. Seeking out former clients can be even more telling you can do this without reaching out to them if you have mad Googling skills and if they blogged about the experience. But I can speak to Twitter pitch contests, since I signed with my first agent in thanks to PitMad. These contests can be fantastic opportunities, but here are a few words of advice:.

When I finished my first book almost four years ago, PitMad happened to take place that week. I participated, and four days later, I got my first offer of rep. And by the time I had five offers two weeks later, I had no solid basis for deciding between them.

But then pitch away! I hope this helps at least one person readying for the query trenches. And I look forward to seeing what the future will bring. Wish me luck! Quick note from Chuck: I am now taking on clients as a freelance editor. If your query or synopsis or manuscript needs a look from a professional, please consider my editing services.

Congratulations — your query letter is doing its job. Guess what that means? Revise them. Overhaul them. Give the chapters to friends for a blunt critique. This strategy will help you protect yourself. Give yourself the best chance of success in finding a literary agent! Writer's Digest chucksambuchino. Apologies, Chuck.

I meant to address my question to you, not Steven. May I then submit queries to different agents at the same agency? I think you can submit to however many, but in chunks. Personalize each one. One agent asked for my full manuscript. She also asked me whether I had a W8 on file or not. I sent an email asking whether I should attach the full manuscript to the email or not?

In the same email, I asked her what a W8 was and the fact that I did not have it on file. I told her I wanted to discuss the formatting. I received no reply to that email. Then after 4. There was no confirmation of receipt. No offer has come in 1 month. And how long can you wait before you submit to another agent within the same agency. I understand not two at the same time but when does it stop being the same time?

Hi there, I think I can help. If you would like to submit to an agent in the SAME agency of one you have already submitted, you usually have to wait a year because agents do come together at meetings and look through the manuscripts. If this is the case, wait at least a year before submitting again to the same agency. Hi Cait. I would recommend you simply wait the time frame stipulated on their website or submission guidelines.

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