Submission Advice
On querying
Limit your letter to three paragraphs. The first should identify title, genre, and market, and give a concise pitch. Position your project against what's been published in the same vein. This means explaining what sets your work apart and why it is distinct in terms of plot, character, or audience. This does not mean declaring your project the "next" Harry Potter. The second paragraph might explain major plot movements or character arcs. Only the third should focus on your credentials. Mostly discuss the project, not yourself.
Limit your letter to three paragraphs. The first should identify title, genre, and market, and give a concise pitch. Position your project against what's been published in the same vein. This means explaining what sets your work apart and why it is distinct in terms of plot, character, or audience. This does not mean declaring your project the "next" Harry Potter. The second paragraph might explain major plot movements or character arcs. Only the third should focus on your credentials. Mostly discuss the project, not yourself.
On waiting
As an agent reviews your partial or full, patience is the most popular virtue you can exhibit. We all appreciate when an author is savvy and considerate while playing the waiting game. It means being in touch if another agent offers representation, giving that agent a chance to get in the game before you decide. If you accept another offer immediately, tell the agent your work is no longer available. It's a win-win: you get a chance to choose between agents and the agent isn't wasting time on a project that's been picked up.
As an agent reviews your partial or full, patience is the most popular virtue you can exhibit. We all appreciate when an author is savvy and considerate while playing the waiting game. It means being in touch if another agent offers representation, giving that agent a chance to get in the game before you decide. If you accept another offer immediately, tell the agent your work is no longer available. It's a win-win: you get a chance to choose between agents and the agent isn't wasting time on a project that's been picked up.
On handling rejection & revision requests
Realize that rejection is part of the business for everyone. Don't be discouraged, or at best, don't telegraph your discouragement. Bitter, snarky, or pleading correspondence (even if it's funny) is unprofessional and cannot reverse a decision. Handle rejection with grace and resolve to keep working towards publication. If an agent extends a revision request, take it as a sign of interest and consider ways to fulfill it. If your immediate reaction is "she doesn't know what she's talking about," return to the agent's suggestions at a later date to see if they might honor your intentions. If so, take your time in creatively responding and send along the strongest revision possible for reconsideration.
Realize that rejection is part of the business for everyone. Don't be discouraged, or at best, don't telegraph your discouragement. Bitter, snarky, or pleading correspondence (even if it's funny) is unprofessional and cannot reverse a decision. Handle rejection with grace and resolve to keep working towards publication. If an agent extends a revision request, take it as a sign of interest and consider ways to fulfill it. If your immediate reaction is "she doesn't know what she's talking about," return to the agent's suggestions at a later date to see if they might honor your intentions. If so, take your time in creatively responding and send along the strongest revision possible for reconsideration.