Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

Should you submit to multiple agents?

Q: "An agent who favorably reviewed my work at a writers conference has agreed to read my synopsis and first chapters. Can I still submit to other agents?"
A: While technically you can submit to multiple agents unless they specify no simultaneous submissions, you might want to hold off. Here's why...

I know it sounds counter-intuitive: you want to up your chances of a nibble and you'd think that him possibly finding out you have it with other agents would serve to hurry him along and encourage him to act swiftly. But I’m thinking of four things here:

1. You have met this guy in person and he reviewed and liked your work. Now he is asking for first chapters. Those are a couple of huge positive steps. He is already nibbling! He’s a hot connection. Give him the time he needs.

2. Him finding out you have it with other agents may turn him off a bit. You two have a relationship developing here. If he asks if you have it with other agents, you can let him know that you are holding off because you’d really like to work with him, you think he’s the best fit, etc. That’s flattering to him and shows you’ve done your homework in considering him and aren’t just taking a shotgun approach to securing an agent.

3. If you send it out to other agents and one responds faster but you’d prefer this first guy, what will you do? Try to stall until you hear yes or no from him? (I’m assuming you liked him when you met him.)

4. IF this agent ends up passing, he may have comments that will help you improve the 1st chapters so that the next agent won’t pass on it.

Like a lot of things in life, when it comes to getting published, patience pays.

Posted by Julie on September 11, 2006
This entry was posted in the following categories: Publishing