Today I'm taking on yet another forbidden topic. This one is going to get me in trouble, but I'm talking about No Response Means No (or NRMN in my query tracking spreadsheet...tell me I'm not the only person who tracks that stuff and keeps stats).
After my experiences with the query process, I am okay with NRMN on queries because the agents get so many. Those that set up automated response are kind souls. What I don't like is when an agent requests a full and never responds. That's the killer. Then the writer is left wondering at what point is it okay to send a nudger--three months? Six months? Never, just give up and assume it wasn't a good fit?
Oog. About 85-90% of the queries I sent for TAW got no response, more than anything I've ever queried, so this is a great reminder of how much that sucks. >_< And I agree with you - agents would be doing so many of us a favor if they would just say "I've received your query, and if I don't respond in X weeks, I've decided your book isn't a good fit for me." Just so we don't have to wonder.
And I really appreciate yesterday's post as well, considering I was working my way toward a meltdown last night, but managed to constrain it to a single tweet. Oi.
After my experiences with the query process, I am okay with NRMN on queries because the agents get so many. Those that set up automated response are kind souls. What I don't like is when an agent requests a full and never responds. That's the killer. Then the writer is left wondering at what point is it okay to send a nudger--three months? Six months? Never, just give up and assume it wasn't a good fit?
ReplyDeleteOog. About 85-90% of the queries I sent for TAW got no response, more than anything I've ever queried, so this is a great reminder of how much that sucks. >_< And I agree with you - agents would be doing so many of us a favor if they would just say "I've received your query, and if I don't respond in X weeks, I've decided your book isn't a good fit for me." Just so we don't have to wonder.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really appreciate yesterday's post as well, considering I was working my way toward a meltdown last night, but managed to constrain it to a single tweet. Oi.
Ain't that the truth. Goes for magazines too.
ReplyDeleteUgh, no response is so frustrating, but I understand why agents do it.
ReplyDelete2015 A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Matthew MacNish from The QQQE
Hmmm... I still have yet to experience this. Guess I'll have to finish my book first. :) Sounds frustrating.
ReplyDelete