Agent Hunting - Requests
As most of you know, I'm still looking for an agent. I'm still sending out queries and waiting for agents to request a partial or full manuscript. This past weekend, I received a full manuscript request, in print!
There was a moment of... "Do they really want me print out my entire novel and send it in the mail?" It was clear that they did from the email I received back from them, but my brain didn't seem to want to accept it as reality.
Most, in this digital age, request you email them what they want to see. But there are a few who still want the actual paper. I had a partial request for a couple chapters a few weeks ago that wanted them in print. I printed them and sent them.
I know sending email attachments is faster and easier, but I really wonder: "Is the print request a test?" I can't help but think that maybe some agents want to see how serious you are about getting an agent, and if you'll put forth the effort to do as they ask just to show your devotion to your work and the process. I'm not saying that's what they're doing. Heck, they might just like to read on paper! LOL I don't know.
The fact is that most writers are lazy, and anytime they get strange guidelines or requests from editors, publishers, or agents they'll shy away because it's weird. I, personally, think this is a good tool to see who is serious about wanting the opportunity. Which is why I wonder if it's a test.
Most writers will send things the way they want despite the clear set guidelines or requests set before them. This shows unprofessionalism. And still, after that show of not being a professional and the lack of consideration for the person's (editor/publisher/agent) time and wishes, those writers wonder why they get rejected. The guidelines are set forth for a reason. Maybe they prefer reading on paper rather than a computer or ereader. Perhaps there's a certain font or format that's better for them to work with because of their system and how it's set up. Maybe it's a test to see if you're serious and can read.
Regardless of the reason, a writer who wants to be successful needs to carefully read the guidelines or requests and meet them to the best of their ability, even if they don't seem to make sense.
I spent a good portion of the day I received the request formatting my manuscript to look beautiful on paper. I spent a good part of another day printing it out (I even had to go buy more ink and paper). Now, my novel is all boxed up and ready to send out. I plan to pass this test and hopefully gain an agent through my professional actions with meeting the request. If they say no, it definitely won't be because I didn't do as I was asked.
Challenge accepted. Professionalism achieved.
There was a moment of... "Do they really want me print out my entire novel and send it in the mail?" It was clear that they did from the email I received back from them, but my brain didn't seem to want to accept it as reality.
Most, in this digital age, request you email them what they want to see. But there are a few who still want the actual paper. I had a partial request for a couple chapters a few weeks ago that wanted them in print. I printed them and sent them.
I know sending email attachments is faster and easier, but I really wonder: "Is the print request a test?" I can't help but think that maybe some agents want to see how serious you are about getting an agent, and if you'll put forth the effort to do as they ask just to show your devotion to your work and the process. I'm not saying that's what they're doing. Heck, they might just like to read on paper! LOL I don't know.
The fact is that most writers are lazy, and anytime they get strange guidelines or requests from editors, publishers, or agents they'll shy away because it's weird. I, personally, think this is a good tool to see who is serious about wanting the opportunity. Which is why I wonder if it's a test.
Most writers will send things the way they want despite the clear set guidelines or requests set before them. This shows unprofessionalism. And still, after that show of not being a professional and the lack of consideration for the person's (editor/publisher/agent) time and wishes, those writers wonder why they get rejected. The guidelines are set forth for a reason. Maybe they prefer reading on paper rather than a computer or ereader. Perhaps there's a certain font or format that's better for them to work with because of their system and how it's set up. Maybe it's a test to see if you're serious and can read.
Regardless of the reason, a writer who wants to be successful needs to carefully read the guidelines or requests and meet them to the best of their ability, even if they don't seem to make sense.
I spent a good portion of the day I received the request formatting my manuscript to look beautiful on paper. I spent a good part of another day printing it out (I even had to go buy more ink and paper). Now, my novel is all boxed up and ready to send out. I plan to pass this test and hopefully gain an agent through my professional actions with meeting the request. If they say no, it definitely won't be because I didn't do as I was asked.
Challenge accepted. Professionalism achieved.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
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