I think about stuff

[stacia_kane]

Okay, lots of stuff to cover and get through and all of that.

First, the other day I cam across this cool blog/site called Best Fantasy Books.com. Another site had a link to this post about ARCs and reviews that I thought was really interesting.

Most of my thoughts on the subject are covered in my comment, which is the fifth comment down:

I

Comments

[micheleis]

Actually, I do try to avoid agents who have that policy because I wonder how compatible we are. But some don't state this is their policy, or state that they do respond, and don't.

I've been querying said book for a year now, and did initially requery the nonresponsive agents who said that they reply to make sure that my query arrived. I think by this point a second nonresponse indicates they're not interested, but it irks me that they say they respond, and then they don't.

Right now I have three partials out that have not been responded to in a year (or more). I may not be paying the agent, but I did pay to print and mail the partial. I know I'm a bit emotional about this, but it makes no sense for me to waste my time, energy or stamps on someone who isn't going to bother even sending me a form rejection.

[micheleis]

I feel the need to make it crystal clear (cause this is the intarnets and all) that I disagree with no-response policies, but on a surface, business choice level. But agents who say they respond and don't come off as rude and I automatically reconsider if I'd accept an offer from them or if I'd be too worried that they'd abandon me for not being big enough.

[micheleis]

See, I knew I needed to listen to my gut and clarify.

I have to say that agents not responding has paid off. One has had my partial since last January (and I queried Nov. 2007). Over the last few months I've been told by several of their ex-clients that they were mostly ignored. Now I know in at least one case no response=blowing small fish off I have to admit I've been wondering a lot more about the others.