Dear Editor…
An agent said she “really enjoyed” my manuscript (!) and wants to see more of my manuscripts to get a more complete sense of my body of work. She says that in the meantime she’ll be sharing my story with the rest of her team and will be in touch once they all have a chance to review it. I’m nervous about a “team meeting.” Do all agents work that way? I’m a little worried that there’s something about my submission that’s giving her pause.
Thanks,
Nervous Nelly
Dear Nervous Nelly…
Don’t feel singled out. Agents often do second reads for each other before signing authors. Representation is a huge commitment, and a second opinion from colleagues who know their personal tastes as well as the state of the market is as important to them as critique partners are to writers. In fact, agents will often do second reads even after signing in order to make sure every project they send to publishers is as strong as it can be, craftwise and marketwise. Now, with that settled, go get yourself a treat. I believe in celebrating every step on your path toward publication, and “I really enjoyed your manuscript” from an agent is certainly good for something decadent and very chocolate.
Happy writing!
The Editor