Comments on: Question of the Month, Part 1

By: Hoyt Peterson

Hoyt Peterson — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:36:00 +0000

I am truly grateful to agents like you and the commenters who post on your site. I can’t believe how much I have learned since delving into the world of art and publishing. Each tidbit is gold. Thanks so much.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:12:00 +0000

Jessica, I appreciate hearing your take on why authors should avoid exclusives. It makes sense to me that, psychologically, an agent would be less excited about a project that another agent had turned down.

When I was querying, one of my top choices requested an exclusive. I couldn't grant it because my material was out to other agents--plus, I didn't want to tie up my ms for a whole month. The agent read the full, anyway, and offered representation.

I've heard too many sad stories about writers who granted 6-week exclusives (which the agent stretched to 7 or 8 weeks), and then received the "not right for us" rejection. It ain't worth it, IMO.

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:03:00 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this subject. Very enlightening…

By: Cindy Procter-King

Cindy Procter-King — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 16:17:00 +0000

Great, you ranted! Good rant.

I once queried an agent who wanted an exclusive, and when I explained that I couldn't give her one, she asked for the material, anyway. Yes, I did some buttering up that led to the request. Okay, *I* suggested she look at it, anyway, and she agreed.

I'm not comfortable with exclusives. However, if I'd already spoken to the agent on previous occasions, interviewed his or her clients, and was as reasonably satisfied as one can ever be without actually signing and living the relationship, I would grant a short (max 6-week) exclusive. The agent would have to be one of my top three choices, though, or no go.

Cindy