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Something this weekend had led me to believe a lot of writers don't know much about how agents plan agent-submissions to editors, so I thought I would do a little thread about it. (1/6)
Submissions from agents to editors involve a strategy.When you sign with an agent, this is something you might ask about. Does your agent do big submissions, going out to 15-20 editors? Or smaller and more targeted? How many projects is your agent going out with at once?
A good agent is very intentional about submitting client's work. It can take time for editors to get the reads they need to make an offer, and excitement from one editor can spur along others to read faster. Often, editors need approval from multiple people in order to acquire.
Thats why I think its a disservice to the writer to submit a book on a Friday night, or before a holiday. If editors read it staggered, not simultaneously, it can slow momentum & enthusiasm. Editors juggle many tasks, so giving any excuse to put your submission down is a mistake.
Especially because the head honchos are unlikely to be available to make quick $$$ decisions–even if assistant editors can't take long Christmas breaks, their bosses can and will. If you have to chase a submission weeks later, it may be too late to create a competitive situation.
Make sure you know when your agent is planning to submit. Is it the week before Labor Day? Usually a bad idea. Timing matters, and we need to do everything in our power to present our client's work with care and in the best possible package. Hope this helps! (6/6)
