Last week we discussed writing query letters, and now I want to turn our attention to submitting them. There are several strategies for how to query agents, but I’ve found one method seems to be favored about the rest. While you are welcome to submit letters one at a time or all at once, you will most likely query a plethora of agents and it can be hard to keep track of them all. Below is the strategy I suggest for submitting your manuscript.
Create Submission Levels
I’ve already covered research tips for finding agents, and now is the time to pull out the list you have complied. You should divide your agent list into three levels. One will be your top-tier, the A-listers. These are the agents that you’d want to represent you if you could pick from anyone. Then you will make your B-list. These are the ones that would fit great with you and maybe be more realistic in accepting your manuscript. The last level is your C-list. These agents will seem like a good fit but might not be perfectly suited for you. They may be the newer agents who don’t have a full list and also might not have a lot of credentials yet. Once you have your agents all separated into three levels, you’re ready to submit.
Submit
I’ve heard the best way to query agents is in rounds. Pick 2-3 agents in each of your levels and send out those 6-9 query letters. Then wait a month. Some agents may have a response time of 2 weeks, but others might not respond for 16 weeks. You can wait for everyone to get back to you, but it’s not recommended. Instead, at the end of the month, examine what feedback you have so far.
If you get a response wanting to look at the full manuscript, send it. However, I’d also suggest you send out query letters to the rest of your A-list and B-list. If someone jumps at the manuscript within a month, you might have something that will get many agents’ attention. It doesn’t hurt to create a little competition over the manuscript, if you can get the interest.
Revise
If you only received generic rejections, you can skip to the next section. However, if you did get some feedback with your rejections, consider what they said. Is there a way you can improve your query letter or your premise? Maybe they read your first five pages and have some feedback on your manuscript. If an agent took time to give you personal feedback, that means you are close to what they are looking for and you need to take what they say seriously. Review their comments, take them to heart, and then make your book better.
Submit
Now’s the time to submit again. Even if there are still unanswered query letters out there, send another round of letters. Again, pick 2-3 agents in each level and query them. Wait another month, and then do it again. Continue this process until your agent list is exhausted or you have an offer.
Requests
If you do receive a request for the full manuscript, send it. I’ve heard not to agree to exclusive reads, though, unless they give you a specified time limit. If they ask to be exclusive for two weeks, you can agree, if you feel good about it. Any longer, and you might be hurting your chances with other agents.
If you have your full manuscript with an agent, and another one reaches out asking for it. You can send the manuscript to the second agent, but let her know that it’s already “under consideration elsewhere.” You do not have to say where or by who. Just let them know someone else is interested. You also might want to let the first agent know as well. If one gives you an offer and others have the manuscript under consideration, reach out to them and let them know. It gives them a chance to give a counteroffer, and a little competition might increase your options.
Final Thoughts
The querying process is long and hard. You need to have patience, thick-skin, and a good attitude. You will be rejected, but you can also get offers. It’s hard to put yourself out there, but it must be done if you want to be published traditionally. If you go through all of this and don’t get a positive response, you can search for more agents to submit to or write another book to send out. The way to success is paved with failures. Don’t let it discourage you. If this is what you want to do, a way will present itself.
Thanks for reading!
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