Lots of writers ask when the best time to query an agent is, so here’s a breakdown of my tips about querying through the winter holidays.
Just because you have time off from your day job, doesn’t mean agents have time to read your query. We’re inundated!
- The volume of queries goes up from December to January. We are just as busy as we alway are–even though you’re off from work–therefore we will not be getting back to you as quickly. A 4-6 week reply turns into 6-8 weeks.
- Starting this week, American Thanksgiving, through to the first week of January publishing slows its pace. People in publishing start taking holidays, using their weekends for (GASP!) fun and holiday parties, not reading like we usually do. Therefore, we’re going to be slower with our partial and full requests.
- We are still looking for new projects, as always, but just know you’re competing with a big batch. There are exceptions to every rule, but just be aware of these trends.
Reblogged this on "DON'T READ BOOKS" and commented:
Good stuff to know, for those of you looking to traditionally publish a novel.
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Would it be beneficial to wait to send queries until February?
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There’s no point on sitting on it just to wait. Whenever it’s ready feel free to send, just know there will be a wait involved!
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Thanks for the post! This topic has been on my mind. I was thinking of waiting until Jan 13- a week after all the holidays end. Do you think this would be enough time to wait to limit my chances of getting lost in the pile, or do you think it would be better to wait a little longer? Thanks!
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Either way there will be a wait to hear back so send whenever it’s ready.
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Thanks for this post. Very helpful.
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You’re welcome!
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I always appreciate your articles and take them seriously. This one has good information. However, comments implying we don’t work or don’t have to work, and things like “Gasp” as if we don’t know you work are kind of demeaning. We may be struggling to get published (while working multiple jobs), but you don’t have to write down to us.
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Thanks for the feedback, Richard. My meaning was that we’re always reading on the weekends (like I’m sure you are writing on the weekends) and we’re going to take some time off for once!
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Good to know! Enjoy your holidays.
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This is good information, thank you for posting it. I too was just thinking about this, not so much because you shouldn’t have a holiday (do people really think that?) but because I’m almost ready to start querying myself. I guess it still boils down to “do the next thing on the list”.
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Reblogged this on Princess of the Light: Shining the Light For All and commented:
Excellent information on querying. :-)
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Thank you, Carly, for this wonderful information! I love knowing about the inside scoop to the literary agent world! I hope you have a wonderful holiday and happy reading! ;-)
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Glad to help!
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Your blog makes it clear that you know just how much writers are waiting for even the tiniest scrap of insight from agents, and we appreciate it. I queried you today, because I am ready, but I’m completely aware that you’ll want to enjoy your holiday, and then when you get back there will no doubt be a pile of NaNoWriMo queries waiting. Take your time and happy Thanksgiving!
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Such a nice compliment. Thank you. I try to provide as much info as I can.
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Excellent info. As always your candor and courtesy is appreciated.
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Thanks for stopping by, Cyndi!
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I sat with my finger on the send button, debating whether to send or not. Should I wait? Should I send it? Thank you for your advice; and after reading the comments I felt better — everyone else feels that same apprehension. Thanks for your advice, Carly — your articles are humbling and educational — I’ve learned so much!
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Thanks for letting me know, Helena!
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all the time i used to read smaller content which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening
with this piece of writing which I am reading at this place.
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