Question for Agented Writers

[Keith .]

I've been exchanging work with another writer for a couple months now. She's very nice and has helped me with her crits, while I feel I've returned the favor. She just emailed me, told me she was thinking of querying my agent, and asked if I thought she'd like her manuscript. She's either asking for a referral, or if I say I think she'd like it then the query will say, "Oh, btw your client Keith thinks you'll like it!"

I was offered a referral once by a very successful writer, but I never would have asked. I'd consider that uncool and unprofessional. BUT. She's a sweetheart and, frankly, I only have two people to exchange work with. Plus, she's not asking as much as just hinting strongly. And what if I, well, really don't like her book? I'll probably just email my agent and ask her, but I wondered how others had handled the situation. Thanks for any shared experience.

[Kitty Foyle]

Hmm....I had an agent once.

Am sorry to say I've never been in your predicament, Keith. :-( I just know I'd feel funny recommending a manuscript I'd never read.

I'd go with the "email my agent and ask her."

*_*

[Stan Miller]

You say you have been exchanging work for a couple months. You must have some idea of the quality of the writing she produces.

If the quality is good, your agent isn't closed to submissions, and reps the genre, why not let her use your name to get her foot in the door? If you don't feel comfortable with that, then just say you have no problem with her querying your agent.

That may be all she is asking for anyway. Just clearing it with you first.

Stan

[leslee]

I've been in this situation.

You email the agent and say so-and-so is going to send a Q. I can't vouch for her writing. If she says she knows me, she does.

Then the person can query just like anybody else, but mention in their letter that they know you.

That's it. If the writer asks you to do any more than that, the answer is no.

[Keith .]

Thanks guys. My problem is that I really don't like her writing. My agent is amazing, so I'll just do as Leslee suggested.

[Wonky]

Leslee's right.

Keith, even if you don't give the referral to this woman, she might go ahead and query anyway saying you recommended her.

[leslee]

Yeah, she might, so that's why you do the heads-up to the agent, but stating that you aren't recommending the woman's work, just informing her.

[leslee]

Believe me, it won't be the first time your agent got a note like that. She's probably had a million Q letters that say, "My sister cleaned your client's house this week, and your client suggested to my sister that I send you my book."