How long should you wait for a reply to a submission? And, should you ever contact the Agent/Publisher about your submission.
How long should you wait for a reply to a submission? And, should you ever contact the Agent/Publisher about your submission.
Thank you for your comments - most useful. I have always worried about sending my work out to too many agents/publishers. Agents are as difficult to get as publishers it would seem. My book is sadly not a children's story, but I will take a look at it nevertheless.
Just to add a few thoughts: anyone I've ever heard of who has prompted (or attempted to prompt) an agent or a publisher has either got a snotty reply of the 'We are Very Important and Busy People. You are merely a writer - run away and don't nag' variety, or no response at all.
My advice is, don't sit there waiting for the ping of the email box with an offer worth actual cash; don't watch for the postman. Get on and hone your craft; write more, send out more, and learn in the process.
There are thousands of hopeful writers, and not enough Very Important and Busy People to handle their submissions. You could make better use of your valuable time; instead of sitting there hoping, uncross your fingers and type!
Lorraine
Hi Phyllis,
I can only go by what I've read on various agents' web-sites. Generally, they say: "We can take between 6 to 8 weeks to get back to you." (some say "4 to 6"). SOME write: "If you haven't heard from us at the end of this time, please give us a nudge." Some write the opposite. Follow their indications. And remember this Golden Rule:
Send your manuscript synopsis and sample (+ whatever that agent asks for) to AS MANY agents as you can. (I mean just the ones who deal with your kind of book: there's no point in sending a children's picture book to agents who only handle crime and horror stories... unless your book is a children's picture book full of crime and horror.)
Most decent agents will give you the same advice. Any who insist on your ONLY sending it to them should not be trusted. A few may ask you to inform them if another agent has asked to see your COMPLETE ms., and I think that this is only fair.
So DO NOT WAIT FOR AN AGENT TO GET BACK TO YOU BEFORE YOU SEND IT TO ANOTHER!!! This is a pool of sharks and the timid get torn apart.
p.s. If your book IS a children's book, read http://la-granota.com/press.htm and take it from there. We ARE on the look-out, and I can guarantee that you won't have to wait 4 weeks. (No crime and horror, please... unless it's funny as well.)
p.s. While you're waiting, consider http://la-granota.com/party.htm
All the best!
J