posted
I posed this question a week or so ago in the original topic (Request for Partial), but it doesn't seem like anyone saw it there.
On Wednesday, it will be six weeks since I sent the partial out and I haven't heard anything. Is this usual? I don't know what kind of time frame I should expect. Should I just wait and hope? Should I send a polite note to make sure that she got it? If so, what should it say?
(Ashamed to admit it, but despite Jamie Ford's good advice, I forgot to write "Requested Materials" on the envelope. I was making myself too crazy making sure I had everything right in the envelope. )
I also have a couple of queries out that are passing the nine week mark. A couple of these agencies say that they usually respond within eight weeks. Should I just assume they're not interested or send a polite query? If so, how would you word it?
[This message has been edited by Meredith (edited June 26, 2010).]
posted
Personally, I'd wait a while yet: probably three months, maybe even six, before querying. But that may just be my English diffidence at work.
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posted
I would probably give it 8 weeks plus a few days. As far as content, I'd just get straight to the material you're inquiring after and be very polite about it. Since I believe you met the person, you can reference that, but keep it brief.
posted
I'd read the websites for the agencies/publishers you're submitting to and see if you can find any specific guidelines. Often they will spell it out for you - "If you haven't heard by X, assume Y."
Good luck, sounds like you're starting to get nibbles and that's great!
posted
Thanks. Sounds like I need to start considering a polite note.
There's no guidance on their website because they don't accept unsolicited queries. One of the other agents I sent a query to does specify eight weeks. It's been nine, so I should send a quick note there, too, I suppose.
I hate this part. But if I don't follow up, I worry that the agent will think I won't follow up on other things, either. You know?
posted
Can't remember if I've been consistent, but I usually wait about a year to query someone about a missing MS.
It might be the mail and not them. Over the years, I've had about, oh, six substantial things disappear into the bowels of the USPS---I work there now and I know what happens to some things. I've given up hope of ever seeing the one from 1975 appear, what with different moves and forwardings...but I've still got hopes for the one from 1998...
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