Why do they want to know? |
Author: Busy Lizzy (---.dip.t-dialin.net)
Date: 05-16-08 15:49
In their submission guidelines, many agents state they want you to tell them, if you are querying other agents as well.
Why do they want to know?
I mean, EVERYBODY queries more than one agent, doesn't he?
Is it wise to tell them that they're not the only one, or will that diminish my chances?
Helpful answers would be appreciated.
Busy Lizzy
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: Atlantic Beach (---.185.45.28.Dial1.Washington2.Level3.net)
Date: 05-16-08 16:22
Dear Lizzy,
Maybe they want to make sure you are not querying another agent in their own agency, which is not a good idea. Other than that it is not their business.
Just as these agents are reading other writers' work, you are contacting other agents. They understand this.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: jayce (---.mob.bellsouth.net)
Date: 05-16-08 16:33
What Atlantic Beach said.
Ignore the question.
Query on.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: tommy jonq (---.client.mchsi.com)
Date: 05-16-08 17:22
if you are selling a really hot non-fiction book, and I mean hot like your 10 year gay love affair with barack obama, then do people the courtesy of querying one agent at a time. otherwise, don't worry about it. BUT more and more big agencies are using online forms that compile information for databases, and they will know if you're carpet bombing or if you are getting any other kind of reputation. I've been avoiding these agencies so far. I need an agent who is hungry, not paranoid.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: Jena Grace (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date: 05-16-08 17:37
I've never been asked that myself.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: Robert Brown (---.hsd1.in.comcast.net)
Date: 05-16-08 17:53
Actually I only ask that question if I'm seeking an exclusive and the only reason I do ask is to find out if I can get one.
I can, however, understand why some agents would like to know about their competition for certain projects. Also many times those who query me will volunteer the fact that other agents are looking. When it's volunteered unprompted, I view the information with skepticism. Like BL said, I always assume others are looking anyway, so when I'm told before asking I wonder why?
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: mary riley (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-16-08 23:49
Hey Tommy,
Would a lesbian affair with Hillary fall into the same hot category as a gay affair with Obama? Call me curious.
Mary
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: Joe Zeff (---.lsanca.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date: 05-17-08 01:07
Only if it's Monica.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: stevenlabri (---.dsl.mindspring.com)
Date: 05-17-08 01:46
BL is asking about before contact, "In their submission guidelines" not after you have submitted. Considering most submission are rejected, it is a dumb request IMHO.
My advice--ignore and submit.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: tommy jonq (---.client.mchsi.com)
Date: 05-17-08 08:57
no, because Hillary is now officially yesterday's news. besides, everyone already knows she hasn't slept with a man since web hubbell (who does not look anything like Chelsea) was bill's attorney general in Arkansas. a memoir of a three way affair with hills and monica might attract some interest, though.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: Busy Lizzy (---.dip.t-dialin.net)
Date: 05-17-08 10:59
OK. Thanks everybody. I guess this puts me pretty much into the picture. I agree with you, stevenlabri, that it seems a rather stupid question to ask. My impulse was to ignore it, too.
My book is (of course in my eyes) great, but not a bit "hot". Probably that is why I'm still querying.( Hmmm... that makes me think...)
Busy Lizzy
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: jayce (---.mob.bellsouth.net)
Date: 05-17-08 17:28
If you are selling a really hot non-fiction book ..., then do people the courtesy of querying one agent at a time.
What difference does having a "really hot non-fiction book" make? And how would you know it was "hot"? And where'd you pick up this notion anyway? because I've heard a lot of stuff but never this.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: tommy jonq (---.client.mchsi.com)
Date: 05-17-08 18:07
if you don't know what difference having a hot market for your book makes, then i have no idea how to explain it to you.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: jayce (---.mob.bellsouth.net)
Date: 05-17-08 19:19
Tommy: The thread relates to querying multiple agents simultaneously. You said if your book is hot, you should query one agent at a time. I don't see the logic of that. Could you explain?
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: M. Deschanel (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date: 05-18-08 15:52
If your nonfiction book is really that scorching hot, maybe queries are beside the point, and you'll be besieged by agents, perhaps finding Lynn Nesbit trying to climb in your window to get to you (rare). But since that's an extreme rarity, follow Miss Snark's koan: "Query widely".
Now let's let Tommy Jong get back to lurid fantasies about Obama and the Clintons, and giving bad advice.
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Re: Why do they want to know? |
Author: mary riley (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date: 05-19-08 02:35
To Deschanel,
They're not so lurid where I come from and maybe not even fantasies. And as long as Jane Dystel doesn't come crawling in my window I'm fine. Anyone see that photo of her on her agency's Website? Are we talking too much retouching or overdoing the Joan Rivers thing? But they forgot the neck. Reminded me of Nora Ephron's book. And Jane should get Obama's book cover off her Website since he's dumped her. It's as tacky as if she kept her first few husbands on there. Some of these agents are too much.
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