I have now reached the point where--according to carefully calculated and time-tested studies (and by that I just mean from all the agent gossip I've gleamed)--I should be hearing back from the lovely agents I met at the May writers conference.
Now, I'm well aware that these agents accept LOTS of material at conferences (cause, honestly? Do they really want to miss out on the next J.K.Rowling? Um, no). So I realize that in the grand scheme of things, a couple of ms requests isn't all that much to get excited about.
Still.... I gotta know. You know?
I've heard that the acceptable period to follow up with an agent is somewhere between 2-3 months. And, despite my incessant need to KNOW everything and WANT everything NOW, I have dutifully restrained myself these past few months from nagging said lovely agents.
And believe me, its been a battle.
I'm talking like hitting-the-refresh-button-on-my-email-every-five-minutes and jumping-at-every-UNKNOWN-caller-on-my-cell-phone kind of battle.
However, now that it has been exactly 72.9 days since I'd sent in my material (yes, I'm counting, don't judge), I THINK I'm safe in sending a follow-up email...
But before I accidentally plaster a big sign on my forehead that says "I AM A HUGE NAG, DON'T SIGN ME!" I wondered what YOU peeps thought of my time frame. Two to three months acceptable? Or is it bad forum to do a follow up email at all?
P.s. As a completely unrelated side note, I must tell you all how much I HATE rush hour traffic. I just started a new job. Which is great, don't get me wrong. Especially the double income Hubbs and I are now enjoying. But oh my sweet 'lanta, heaven on earth and above!!! I just can't handle the commute. Know what I'm sayin'? My sanity is under review.
11 comments:
Welcome to Houston, darlin'.
Ain't nothing nice about traffic hour (I use that instead of rush hour, how lame) in Big H.
Might be able to help you figure out a short-cut or two, though.
No advice on the follow-up, myself being a newby and all (do I sound like a hick or what?)...don't answer that.
As a declaimer: I am no one to take advice from!
But, I’ll still voice me opinion. I wouldn’t bother with a follow up, if the agent wants you they’ll let you know. Unless you thing there is a chance the agent in question didn’t get your email, then I would suggest a follow up… as far as time frame? I would suggest reading agent blogs to see what time frame works for them; hopefully your agent feels the same.
Either way I wish you the best, no doubt it will work out.
Terry: I heart short cuts! I'll take anything you got, woman! Also, Lauren reminded me that even Chuck said it was okay to follow up. I guess I'm just being paranoid ( : I'll prolly end up sending an email after hashing it out at 2.0
Jeff: I think its probably okay to follow up in this instance, since they asked for the whole thing. I think following up is only weird/unacceptable when its just a cold contact query. Don't ya think?
Julie, I soooo understand how you feel!!
Lauren: don't I know it! Nice to have you in the same boat as me, girlie ( :
It’s just a personal opinion, but if I knew the agent received it… I would wait until I heard back. but of course, I have never been in your shoes, and I can see your point—I am sure you’ll make the right choice.
Jeff: you may very be right. I definitely appreciate the different perspective! I still haven't decided what I'm going to do...
Sending the follow-up wouldn't have helped this week anyway. Most of the agents are in L.A., gobbling up even more manuscripts.
Paul: ah yes, you are right. I'd forgotten about that conference. Excellent point!
Hmm...I've heard 3 months from most agents. But really, I think all agents are different. Have you Twitter stalked? And done an #askagent?
Christa: you're like the Twitter queen bee! I haven't Twitter stalked cause I haven't got my lazy butt an account yet. Lame, I know. I need to do it.
Also, what's #askagent? This I have not heard of!
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