response time

[a writer]

How long should I wait for an agent who has previously sold my work to respond to a proposal I sent? I know typically you should wait 6-8 weeks but if you're an existing client should you expect a response sooner? Thanks!

[Joe Zeff]

Not having an agent, I can't say from personal experience. However, John DeChancie told me once that if he sends something off to his agent on Friday, he'll get a response on Monday telling him how bad it is.

[Harley *]

Usually my agent responds within 24 hours to let me know she got it, sometimes she'll read within that time, sometimes she'll give me a timeframe for when she will get around to it.

[R J]

With the revisions I had to make for my submission process, my agent got back to me the same day after I sent everything in, and informed me of how much *other* reading he presently had -- and approximately when he'd be getting around to having a look at what I'd done.

Certainly, other mileage will surely vary on this. But for myself, and a few other writer friends, the agent will generally inform you of the kind of workload he or she is presently facing, and thereby, guage a point when the time can be made to read your work.

[a writer]

Considering it's been 3 weeks, do you think it's appropriate to get an update from him? Also, what is better--a good agent who is lukewarm about your work but willing to represent it or cutting ties and finding a new one?

[a writer]

And thank you all, by the way!!!

[Countess Olenska]

But *are* you an "existing client," OP? Or are you kind of telling yourself you still are? I ask because your post seems rather... well, you call the agent "an agent who has previously sold my work." Why not just say "my agent"? And if you're an "existing client," why didn't you just call the agent on the phone, tell her you'd be sending a proposal, and get a feel for how long she'd take reading it?

If I'm wrong, forgive me, but I get a vibe from your post that says your agent has "moved on" and you are in denial.

[Wonky]

Anything before 6 weeks, your head will be ripped right off.

[R J]

>>>>Also, what is better--a good agent who is lukewarm about your work but willing to represent it or cutting ties and finding a new one?<<<<<

Generally speaking, a *good* agent who is only "lukewarm" about a project -- will not attempt to take it on.

Hence, the line in the average rejection that always reads: "Unfortunately, I wasn't as enthusiastic about your project as I need to be in today's tight publishing market."

So needless to say, for most of the *legit* agents out there, the passion for your work -- as well as knowing that there's a definite marketplace for it -- must be firmly in place.

[Gopher Gold]

I disagree with the 6 weeks timeframe - that's for a mss. not a proposal. Now is fine to follow up, especially if said agent has sold your work before. You have been an asset in the past, and it's probably worth their while to keep you around.