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Okay, giving a behind the scenes look at agenting for a second, after having some experiences in which querying authors may have made some assumptions that aren’t representative of what really goes on. So here’s a snapshot of what it’s like on my end! 1/
While you query it can feel like the slowest process and if someone asks for a partial or full, you can rightfully be thrilled. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it will go faster now, in fact, it can go slower. Why agents might move slower with reading ranges for many reasons 2/
Many of us have other jobs, but also work agenting full time. We need to avoid burnout. Our authors always come first and my day to day includes a lot of editing, editor calls, strategizing with authors, and sometimes reading until my eyes glaze over 3/
Querying probably feels like a full time job for you, and it’s exhausting. I promise I get it. Reading queries and subs is a lot here too. It can be all consuming if I don’t pace it right. I’m talking I might read several books a week on top of other work 4/
If you haven’t heard from an agent in a while, it’s not a bad sign. Honestly, it’s probably bc they have n’t even begun to read yet. Sometimes we find books at different times that just fill a much needed hole in our list. If an author gets an offer we have to stop and read 5/
To see if we ALSO would like to offer to give everyone a chance. Reading subs, unfortunately, isn’t super linear. But the thing is, I’ve signed someone after holding onto work for a few months. Not bc I wasn’t sure, but bc I finally had time to give it the energy it deserved 6/
Not getting a quick response is nothing against you, and in so many ways from my experience, it’s to do right by you and everyone else I’m working with to take my time and not make fast decisions. I know this is your baby, so odds are it’s frustrating and exhausting for you 7/
Rejection sucks and having to do it is the worst part of this job. But I don’t hold off from it out of fear or even empathy. I promise to make a choice and give an answer, so please know it’s not a matter of holding onto work for whatever reason. No response isn’t a conspiracy 8/
If you want an advocate for your book, sometimes it just means waiting a bit for the right person. And we are all working the best we can with the small bits of time we have. and remember, just bc you see us on social media doesn’t mean we are endlessly available 9/
The times you may see me interacting with people here might make you think “well she has time why can’t she read my book.” But don’t mistake moments of rest or entertainment with availability 10/
And please, know that this is a working relationship. I can get turned off quickly by how I’m treated on my personal space here. If you feel entitled to me and my time and attempt to make me feel lesser than, my instinct is already that we will not be a good match 11/
