Querying multiple agents...

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  • Querying multiple agents...

    Would querying multiple agents in the same firm be acceptable? Or would they frown on that?
    Never let the competition know what you're thinking... and never tell the unseen masses your story idea.

    -- Rule 85, Ferengi Rules of Acquisition (updated by cmmora)

  • #2
    Re: Querying multiple agents...

    I used to be a talent agent, so have some insight for you, however, you REALLY should contact the agency first and find out what their protocol is first. There's nothing more annoying then talent not figuring out your submission process prior to submitting. It's a waste of everyone's time and resources. :O

    So the first thing you should do, is research the company and don't just wing it. Call them and find out their protocol! I can't stress this enough!

    If they say you can submit to multiple agents, then you should shoot for the most relevant agents if possible, try to find out who they rep and tailor your query to them specifically within reason. Don't submit your work to an agent who solely reps comedy writers if you're a horror writer. Many agents aren't too genre specific though... but everyone has preferences. Try to find out what these are...

    It's harsh but it's always easier to say NO and reject a potential client, then it is to say YES and deal with all the legwork it takes to get you going (assuming you're not established yet). So, follow the agency's rules out the gate, and give them reasons to say yes!

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    • #3
      Re: Querying multiple agents...

      It's okay. Query everyone at the same time.

      Good luck.

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      • #4
        Re: Querying multiple agents...

        I agree that you should research the agencies, but on your main question -- yes, you should definitely query as many agents as possible at the same time that make sense for you (and by that I mean agents that might realistically take you on).

        Assuming you're a newbie, or at least someone without current representation, you'll get rejected by 99% of the agents -- and most won't even respond to you. Of those that do respond, it could take anywhere from one to three months (or more) for them to do so. So if you start submitting one-by-one and wait to hear from them before submitting your next query -- we'll, you'll be in a wheelchair before you land your representation.

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        • #5
          Re: Querying multiple agents...

          I agree 100% with lulucifer vbmenu_register("postmenu_409838", true);

          Also, an Indy car is no good for moving furniture and a transfer truck won't win the Indy 500. Each cost about the same but do different things.

          Determine WHAT you have ( if you write Thrillers, seek an angent who has sold that genre or AT LEAST has sold to companies BUYING that genre ).

          Though this is a bad example as Disney produces its own work, you'll get the idea: The script for Boogie Nights would not have any interest to Disney anymore than the script for ANIMATED Cinderalla or Musical Mary Poppins would have interest to Lucas or Spielberg...

          Find out who the agents are dealing with and WHAT they are dealing with. If you went to, say, William Morris and contacted one of their SPORTS or MUSIC agents ... you'd quickly be considered a moron. In the same right, if you contacted a literary agent and not a screenwriter's agent ...or a director's agent or producer's agent ... it's no different.

          Ask other writers what their SUCCESSFUL querry looked like.
          A novel? A short request to submit material? What worked?
          Then ...TARGET your querries.

          TZU
          Victorious warriors win first and then go to war. If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril. If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt even before the first sword is drawn.
          ~ Sun Tzu - The Art of War

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