Dear By the Numbers…
That’s a fabulous strategy. But only submit one. Think of querying as the door opener to a larger conversation: You open the door with the manuscript you’ve prioritized, and when an agent loves that project, they’ll ask to see what else you’ve got. You will be ready with one or two more, already polished and impressive. This puts you in a strong position to secure their representation then and there. Agents will rep a “one-off” project they know they can sell, but what they really want is a long-term client who’ll keep creating salable projects. Don’t make them guess if you can do this again. Show them. Really, it’s the old writer’s adage “show, don’t tell” applied to submissions, isn’t it? That’s a great mindset for storytelling, and a strong strategy for launching a storytelling career.
Happy writing!
The Editor
The Editor, Deborah Halverson, has been editing books for over 25 years and specializes in Middle Grade/Young Adult fiction and nonfiction, New Adult fiction, and picture books. For her editorial guidance in making your manuscript ready for submission to agents and publishers or for self-publishing, click Editorial services.
Excellent advice! This goes for meeting with agents at writer’s conferences, too. I had pre-submitted a PB manuscript to an agent I was scheduled to meet a few years back, and although we hit it off and he liked my writing, that particular book wasn’t for him. His first follow-up question was “What else do you have?” I promptly pulled out two more completed PB’s and an unfinished piece in a different writing style to see what he thought of it. It was the best 30-minute meeting of my life: I got valuable feedback and advice to help refine my material and target it for the marketplace. It feels good to be able to show an array of work and proves you’re not a “one-trick pony.” Good luck, BTN!
What a great experience. You were ready! Thank you for sharing that, Stephanie. Happy writing.