Hello to all!!
I have just finished my first picture book and while reading all the submission guidelines of over 20 targeted agents from the W&A's Yearbook, I have noticed that various agents/agencies prefer not to be "carpet-bombed" by new artists/writers, in other words, will not consider my proposal/submission if I am contacting various agents/agencies.. so is there an accepted number of agents I can contact to start? I have shortlisted to 12 agents/agencies.
Thanks so much for any advice/suggestions!
Greetings from Morocco, Niki x
Hi Nicola
Congrats on finishing the book! Carpet bombing an agency is a major no-no. Agents are extremely busy people and when they discover you have sent your manuscript to each one of them they will see you as 1. desperate 2. someone who hasn't read each agent's profile on their agency website to determine which of them is the best 'fit' to read your work. If you send your manuscript to the wrong agent he or she will typically pass it to whichever of their colleagues is best suited to assess your submission.
As regards sending a dozen submissions simultaneously to different agencies, you can add a note at the bottom of your cover letter in your e.mail telling them 'I have submitted my story to a small number of agents'. If you send out one submission, then wait until you get an answer (which can take months) before you contact another agency, the process will take you years. Just as long as - should you be fortunate enough to get an offer of representation - you let every other agency know asap as a curtesy.
I hope this is of help. Richard Elder.
Thank you so much for your reply!! Much appreciated!! I will get started right away to send off submissions and crossing fingers :)
A big hug to all at W&A!!
Hi Niki,
Agencies will absolutely expect you to be submitting your work to various agents at the same time.
We'd always recommend sending out submissions in waves, so perhaps 8-12 agencies at a time would be absolutely fine.
Agents normally ask that if you receive interest from an agent that you should contact the other agents to let them know.
Best of luck with the submissions!
All best,
W&A Admin