Hello,
I recently queried seven agents for a picture book text five weeks ago. One agent sent a rejection and another has come back to me and seem very interested. I’m meeting with them next week to discuss representation.
Should I now write to the other agents to let them know I’m having this meeting?
On some of the agents websites they ask you to get in touch if you’ve had a full request or an offer of representation – but with a picture book they already have the full text and I feel it’s likely they will make an offer, so I’m not sure what to do. Do I have to wait until I’m actually offered representation to contact the other agents?
Thanks
Yes, let them know. I went to a 'hook an agent' conference last year and they said its good to let the others know you've got interest. They may have not even got around to yours yet and you're keeping them up to date, plus they may take you more seriously.
Then go for what suits you
So, if another agent sees you may be getting representation, they may think they're missing a trick. That's what it boils down to, I guess.
Personally, I'd wait. That's based on two suppositions (i) that the first agents may, in the end, decide you're unsuitable (though obviously I hope they don't) and (ii) that if you do let the rest know prior to an offer, they may simply chuck your MS on the reject pile on the assumption you no longer want them to consider it, whatever your message actually says.
Of course they may think you're the next Big Thing and fight over you - we all live in hope, after all - but I wouldn't bank on it.
Best of luck!