One of the differences that stands out the most between querying agents here in the UK, and over in the States is that for the majority of UK agents, we still have to send hard copies. To be honest, I don’t think that this is a bad thing. Ok, so it means that process is probably quite a bit slower, and there’s the additional effort of making the presentation is just right, but there are some plusses in doing it this way.
A typical submission package consists of a cover letter, a synopsis, and the first three chapters of your MS, and if you want the work back, then an SAE. There’s something very satisfying about physically preparing the package, going down to the Post Office and sending it.
One of the other positives is that if your cover letter does manage to pique the interest of an agent, they have the first three chapters to hand already.
What do you think? Is the submission process in the States the way that they should be going over here? Or do you long for a return back to hard copies?
If I had to pay postage for all of that, I could afford to query two agents. *Grins* It's nice that you get to put so much in front of them, though!
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head. Although, it does make sure you try and get the submision as good as you can :o)
DeleteI haven't queried any agents yet but I think I'd be less inclined to query very many if I had to pay all that postage. I'm cheap like that.
ReplyDeleteGood luck when you do start queryin :o)
DeleteHmmm... Good question.
ReplyDeleteI bet they get a lot less queries. It's a piece of cake to send out one more email to an agent that might not be a good fit. Much harder to send an entire submission packet. So it makes their job easier! And so cool to have that much to put in their hands at once! I think that sometimes, if an agent is unsure on a query, having pages *right there* can make them look further to make a better decision.
But oh, my goodness. Such a pain for the querier! That's a lot more work, and a potentially big expense! I guess it really makes one take agent researching a lot more seriously, though. :)
From what I've heard, the agents still get shedloads of submissions that don't match the agent, or even fit their submission criteria. Crazy eh?
DeleteBut, you're right, it's also made me research my choice of agent a lot more carefully :o)
I wasn't aware of the differences in query policies. I do think the UK's way of querying would speed up the submission process. The agent already having the first 3 chapters would eliminate that first request.
ReplyDeleteIt makes you wonder, doesn't it?
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Yayyy!!! Any comment telling me that I won can't be lame :o)
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i might just try an English agency! for a change...thanks for the iainspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Tara :o)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you felt Iainspired :o)