When To Follow Up On A Full MS Request

by Julie Shackman
16th May 2013

Dear Writers,

I have had my full ms with a literary agent since 11 March but have not yet had a reply.

I submitted my query on 9 March (her submission requirements are the first ten pages and synopsis) and she replied on the 11th, asking to read the whole novel.

I checked the agency website for response times but there is no indication at all. What is the general feeling about when (or if!) I should politely follow up my submission? The last thing I want to do is annoy her, but it has been almost 2 1/2 months now...

Any advice or thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Replies

Thanks Damien. Yes, I'm certainly not assuming anything. I know a lot of writers have been in this position before and a request for a full is no guarantee of an offer.

Profile picture for user julie.sh_22933
Julie
Shackman
270 points
Practical publishing
Audiobooks
Author websites
Competitions, opportunities and groups
Contemporary
Creating characters
Creative Writing and Publishing
Dedicated Genre Advice
Literary agents
Promotional materials
Romance
Setting
Synopsis
The writing process
Women's
Julie Shackman
16/05/2013

Don't hold your breath but I wish you all the luck in the world.

Profile picture for user damienis_24893
damien
Isaak
330 points
Ready to publish
Film, Music, Theatre, TV and Radio
Short stories
Fiction
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Adventure
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Gothic and Horror
damien Isaak
16/05/2013

Thank you DD. I'm going to do that - leave it another two weeks and then drop her a brief email.

Appreciate the advice.

Best,

Julie.

Profile picture for user julie.sh_22933
Julie
Shackman
270 points
Practical publishing
Audiobooks
Author websites
Competitions, opportunities and groups
Contemporary
Creating characters
Creative Writing and Publishing
Dedicated Genre Advice
Literary agents
Promotional materials
Romance
Setting
Synopsis
The writing process
Women's
Julie Shackman
16/05/2013