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Ask a Literary Consultant
Last month I covered what to include in terms of your material when
submitting to agents. This month, I’m focusing on how to chase up
those submissions.
I think it’s a good idea to submit to three to six agents at a time.
A waiting time of up to three months is normal but you could give
a nudge six weeks in to check that they received it and if they need
more time, or anything further from you. I’d recommend two rounds
of submitting – a maximum of twelve agents – which is a solid testing
platform for your book. Is your book attracting interest? If not,
question if it is ready to submit and if there is something that needs
tweaking or rethinking.
If you receive a turn down like this: ‘I read your book with interest
but I’m afraid it’s not for us’, with no specific reference to your book,
what they liked and didn’t like then it’s most likely a standard turn
down. Agents are time-precious and they’re not obliged to be specific
but neither do they want to offend, so they’ll most likely be vague.
If you receive something like this: ‘I read your book with interest
and I loved how you weave such rich detail into your setting, and I
was drawn to your character (name). However, on reflection, I’m afraid
I can’t see how it would sit on my list; or I have a similar book to
this; or I’m not feeling strongly enough about it and I hope you find
someone who does’, type of thing, then this is what we call a positive
turn down. Take heart and keep submitting until you make the right
connection. When we submit our authors who’ve made our scouting
programme we could be looking at a number of positive turn downs
and it’s the twelfth that is the right fit. It takes nerve, patience and
perseverance. Most of all, it takes belief.
If you receive an email or phone call from an agent saying they like
what they’ve read so far and can you send the whole manuscript in,
this is good news. It doesn’t mean they’re offering representation yet,
it just means they’re interested to read more. This is a compliment. An
agent has chosen your manuscript over 100s of other MSS on offer
and this is a good thing.
Do let the other agents know if an agent is reading your MS in casethis changes anything for them. It may spur them on or they may
withdraw, or they may ask that you contact them again if the other
agent pulls out.
If an agent is interested then they may propose that you meet
in person, or at least have a chat on the phone, or if travelling and
meeting is difficult via some form of video conferencing, such as
Skype. It’s important to put a name to a face and a story, and to make
that connection. The agent needs to check you have a rapport and that
you can work with one another in the years to come. It is also their
chance to promote themselves to you. Hold tight, though. This is not
yet an offer of representation, and if it is and they offer there and then,
you may want to have a think and get back to them. My point is, don’t
make a rash decision unless it feels absolutely right.
If you have more than one agent interested you’ll want to connect
with those who are and set about making your decision within a week
or two. It’s about transparency and having a level playing ground.
Whoever you choose to go with will come down to gut instinct, their
profile, their books, their past experiences, their vision for your book,
and whether the connection feels right. They will then email you
a contract and you’ll want to check that everything is in place and
industry-standard. The Society of Authors is a good place to check
if you’re unsure. If they’re a reputable agency their author agreement
will be straightforward. Be aware that I know some agencies who
don’t have agreements – their philosophy is that if a relationship is
not working then both parties are free to go their separate ways. They
should, however, have working practices, and terms and conditions. Be
aware that if they sell your book they will always receive royalties for
this even if you part company and find a new agent.
Good luck and I hope you find the right fit.- If you would like to find out more about perfecting your
submission package, with access to Cornerstones' trusted agents
open to our alumni, please apply to the next online course, which
starts in February.
In part two of her guide to what to expect when you start submitting,
Helen Corner-Bryant looks at what to expect after your manuscript
has gone out to agents.Developmental editing
and mentoring
Copyediting and proofreading
Scouts for literary agentsCall Helen Corner-Bryant +44 (0) 1308 897374 http://www.cornerstones.co.uk
“
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The UK’s leading
literary consultancy
Thank you Cornerstones US for your brilliant help in getting
my fi rst book up off the ground. I won’t ever write another
book without you by my side.- Shantelle Bisson, Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool
(Dundurn Press, 2020)