More query advice

[varkat]

While it's just fine to follow up on a query if the agent or editor has gone over their posted response time, calling to be sure your project has arrived is problematic.  As mentioned, we get HUNDREDS of queries a week and don't have time to answer or return calls on all of them, let alone sort through our submissions to have responses at the ready

Comments

[elfmama]

Ooo! That last sentence just sent my stomach into a knot. Here's my situation. I met an agent at a conference. She requested my first 3 chaps in an attachment with a coded subject line. I sent it right away (3 months ago.)She claims to answer every query. Of course, it has been holiday season, historic election, etc.

Here's the real clencher. I also met an editor at the convention who told me meet with this agent, "polish" a few points, and "send the story to her when I did." I've been polishing like mad, and I've sent a polite inquiry by email to agent. Still waiting. I'm new at all this. Is the silence a no? Is agent irritated that I talked to editor?

[varkat]

I doubt that she could be irritated with a polite query (or improved material) after three-months time. If your e-mails aren't being answered, it might be time to try a phone call. Things do happen. For example, there's a publisher in the UK I deal with whose tech people can't figure out why my e-mails don't get through. I have to use the personal e-mail addresses for everyone I work with there and those go through without a hitch.

[elfmama]

Thanks for you insight! I have heard that going to an editor first is similar to speaking to the principal instead of the teacher (I used to be a teacher). But, since the conference offered the chance, I thought I'd take it.

[staceysorange]

I'm surprised you're still getting phone calls with all the info out there on the web that tells you NOT to call the agency.

I think agents have the hardest job in the world!