Wednesday 3 April 2013

IWSG April post

I find it hard to believe it is a month since we last posted for IWSG, it only seems like last week!  There were lots of great and inspiring posts last month and I just want to thank everyone who visited and left comments on my post, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. 


Hosted by the ever generous Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh
 
 
This month I wanted to keep my post short and sweet (hopefully!) as I know so many of you are taking part in A-Z and are super busy! I'm not as I knew I would find this month difficult to participate fully due to other commitments but I'll drop by and read your posts as much as I can.
 
My writerly insecurity this month is; 'How long do I wait before chasing up a full request?' Maybe you don't think it's a good idea to chase at all and we should just wait patiently for... weeks, months, forever?

I would be really interested to hear of any experiences or advice you could share on this topic.

As I mentioned yesterday I am taking a few days blog break but I'll catch up with you at the weekend.

25 comments:

  1. The advice I was always given was to send a polite email after about 3 months, asking whether the submission had been received (not asking if they've read it, do they like it, are they going to make you super-duper rich!!) Then after maybe another 3 months, jog their memory again. Sometimes you hear of publishers accepting MS after a year or two! Good luck.

    Annalisa Crawford, One of April's IWSG Co-Hosts

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    1. Thanks, Annalisa. Good luck with the co-hosting this month!

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  2. I'm sure March was shorter than usual!

    Annalisa's suggestion of 'just checking' they've received it OK sounds good.

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  3. Oh I can identify with that in other walks of life.
    One doesn't want to pester or seem over-eager, but one wants to seem businesslike, enthusiastic and worthy.
    Good luck.

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  4. I actually thought you were taking part because you had B for Birthstones yesterday, but I guess you do that anyway! Lol.

    Like Annalisa I've heard three months bandied around as a general estimate.

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  5. Mmm... as someone who's spent months obsessively waiting for agent responses, I suggest you check out their websites again.

    Most of them let you know about their response times on manuscripts. :-)

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  6. I'd have said 6 weeks to 2 months - so perhaps that's not enough time, since you all think 3 months is reasonable. But I think it depends as well on the guideline they mention on their site. I certainly wouldn't inquire before that time is up. Maybe the day after :)

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  7. 3 months is what I've heard the best time is too, even though waiting sucks a ton.

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  8. I haven't been in that position yet so I'm glad you posed the question. Three months does seem like a reasonable amount of time to me too. I know once it happens for me, I'll be on pins and needles in anticipation!

    Good luck,

    Elsie
    IWSG co-host

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  9. I've heard 4 months. Good luck!

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  10. Hi Suzanne,

    Not knowing how such things work or what would be considered an appropriate waiting time, I would speculate that the above fine commenters have some sound advice. I would think, however, that approaching in regards to a full request may also be conducive to how you feel about it. Showing willing and discreet interest in what's going on, may well be in your favour.

    Be well, my friend.

    Gary

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  11. I don't see any harm in sending a follow up to be sure everything was received, especially in this day and age when emails can get buried. I know I get gentle reminders from writers looking for review requests, and it doesn't bug me. It's actually a help when I've gotten swamped with work. As long as you're not emailing constantly, I think you're probably fine.

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  12. I'm playing a waiting game with my publisher right now over the sequel to BBND. I think anything after 6 months should not be frowned upon lightly. I know everyone's different, and publishers do seem to take advantage. But a nice friendly "How's it going?" shouldn't upset anyone.

    Happy Weekend, Suzanne!

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  13. Agree with Annalisa - send an email after three months.

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  14. I know nothing about the matter so I can only leave you a dragon hug and a big smile :D

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  15. Joylene just mentioned to me that we have the same posts this month! lol I figure 6 months is enough time, but others think 3 is enough.
    Wishing us both enough courage to start sending out those nudging emails. :-)

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  16. With no experience in this area, I can't add anything of value, sorry!

    Have a good break, though and take care :)

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    1. Hi everyone and thanks so much for all your words of advice it is really helpful. I think I am going to send that polite email. Take care and have a great weekend. I will back shortly to tell you about my couple of days away!

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  17. I've given myself until the 15th to send off 6 nudges. Knowing my procrastinating self, I'll probably send them out the night of the 14th! lol
    Wishing you the best, and I'll keep you updated. :-)

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  18. Three months is the amount of time I've heard mentioned the most. :)

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    1. Yeah seems 3 months is the average. Thanks DL :)

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  19. 3 months seems average from the above - I'd have said 10 weeks or so I'd be nudging. And of course, is this exclusive? If not hope you are sending to other people in the meantime. It's the exclusive waiting that's the WORST.

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  20. That's a tough one. I had a full request, but I heard back in two weeks. My manuscript was only 14,000 words, though. Waiting is so hard! Maybe give it a month and then follow up.

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  21. Funny how you and Lexa posted the same question. It's an interesting one that I'm learning from the answers as I haven't started querying yet. Good luck! Awesome that you have fulls out there. Fingers crossed for you.

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