I have finished revising the first draft of my novel and want to send the manuscript to publishers and agents. I was thinking of using contacts from books from the same genre and also 'The Artists and Writers Handbook', or 'Writer's market'. Has anyone used either of the above books? Are there other steps recommended? When do you start making a website around your novel, assuming you want to do this?
Santwana, if you haven't already, I suggest reading and watching all of the relevant articles and videos under the "Advice" tab of this website. Keep well, Dawud.
It is not worth sending one submission at a time to an agent or agency, because there is usually a wait of 6-8 weeks for a reply. A year would pass if you were unfortunate to receive 7 rejections.
You should make a list of as many agents that accept your genre.
Then send out multiple submissions.
I would not be concerned if more than one agent responded positively. It would be a nice position to be in.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.
Personally I'd submit to more than a single entity at one time, and have done. Otherwise you end up waiting for what seems like half-a-lifetime for any reply. Even then you may not get one. It's easy enough to write 'I've submitted to several...' on your covering letter so at least they'll know.
More than one wants you? Congratulations if that happens, but it simply means you can choose which you prefer :)