I've written a novel (womens' commercial fiction) and have been sending it out to agents and publishers.
Last Wednesday (13 June) I received an e-mail from a Reader at one of the agencies I submitted to five days before, saying she had enjoyed my first three chapters and wanted to read the whole MS exclusively (we have agreed a maximum exclusivity period of eight weeks). I'm delighted but have been in a similar position once before, so am trying not to get my hopes up too much!
I just wondered....does this usually mean that both the Reader and the Agent think it might have potential and that both of them read the full MS?
I've got a good idea on the role of a literary agency Reader, but just wondered what happens when a full is requested like this and who reads what etc? Does anyone have any information or previous knowledge on the process please? I wanted to ask her, but feared that I might come across as a bit over eager!
Many thanks and best wishes to all other writers out there.
I don't have any experience, but I would gather that if it's the reader you're talking to then only the reader has read it. The agent may be aware of what they're reading but I doubt they have read it themselves yet. Otherwise what would be the point of the reader? I would assume that when the reader finishes and decides to champion a book then the agent reads.
Unless it's Carole Blake because she claims to read every submission personally.
Best of luck!