Getting Offers From Multiple Book Publishing Agents
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Every writer dreams of having several book publishing agents offer representation on their manuscript. But can there ever be too much of a good thing? A Good Story Learning member recently asked what a writer should do if they find themselves in that enviable position. The answer is actually a bit more complicated than some writers might think. Let’s dive in.
Juggling Multiple Offers From Book Publishing Agents
Receiving multiple offers from book publishing agents is an extraordinary situation, and should be celebrated (once it’s over), but it’s inevitably one that comes with a lot of stress. You must make a serious business decision quickly while being courted by people who are trying to flatter you. You’re also making a decision about some highly emotional topics—your writing and your publication dreams of a book deal.
If you get an offer of representation, the next step is to inform all the other book publishing agents who are still considering your full or partial manuscript. Given the current climate—where book publishing agents tend to fight over promising work—this will likely yield at least one more offer from a different agent.
Book publishing agents desire the ‘hot commodity’ and will often go after writers who have already received an offer from another agent. This suggests that someone else thinks your work is worthwhile. (The discouraging truth is, some agents sort through their submissions by focusing on writers with multiple offers from book publishing agents—this allows them to zero in on the good stuff in the slush pile.)
Deciding Between Multiple Book Publishing Agents
So you, the writer, have received offers from multiple book publishing agents. Your first offer makes you feel great. The second one starts to feel a bit confusing. And by the third offer (or more!), you’re feeling queasy. So who should you choose? And how do you make this decision?
Well, first things first. Each of the book publishing agents should like your book, or at least act like they do. If someone is lukewarm, you can discard them right away. All of them may have writing notes for how you should be revising your manuscript in different ways. This is the next big test, because you shouldn’t work with book publishing agents who don’t “get” your work, and if their feedback is way off base, then you can decline that agent’s offer, too.
Make sure to connect with all of the book publishing agents personally before making a final decision. Get a sense for their enthusiasm for your work and their vision for its future. Don’t let yourself get carried away by the words they use to describe you and your project.
Instead, consider what kind of agent it is that you want: One who is committed to working with you long-term or just on this one book? An editorial agent who gives feedback or keeps their distance? Someone who communicates openly and often, or someone who sticks in their own lane? Someone who communicates by phone or solely by email?
Since you are hiring one of these book publishing agents to represent you and be an asset for your career, don’t forget that you are well within your rights to ask them questions.
Questions to Ask Book Publishing Agents
Whether you’ve received multiple offers from book publishing agents or just one, remember: you are in control (even if it doesn’t feel like it). Here are some good questions to ask:
How many writers do you represent? (Book publishing agents might not tell you, though.)
What is your vision for my project?
What publishing houses do you work with? (This will tell you whether they have relationships with a wide range of houses—but ideally you would’ve already checked their sales on Publishers Marketplace when you were researching literary agents.)
What is your process for getting manuscripts fair consideration from editors?
How often do you reach out to follow up once the project is on submission?
Do you spend time editing manuscripts? To what level of detail?
How do you think we can enhance my career together?
How often will we communicate and in what ways?
Are you open to answering my questions? How quickly can I expect a response under normal circumstances?
Do you provide details on submissions and writing rejections as they occur? (Writers are allowed to express their preferences here.)
Other topics include how they got into the publishing business, what their own ambitions are, and whether you can speak to any of their other clients as references. Speaking to the clients of these book publishing agents can actually sway your decision and is an important step that you shouldn’t skip.
What Book Publishing Agents Look For
When I was agenting, I used these conversations to vet the writer as well. Things that made me curious: Does the writer seem open to writing feedback? How familiar are they with the publishing industry, having an online presence, and knowing how it all works? Do they have knowledge about the market and how much effort it takes to become a published author? What are their career objectives? How demanding or easygoing are they and how well might we work together?
Finally, could we have a successful, communicative, courteous, productive, and lucrative business partnership? This is obviously the big question, and there’s no obvious answer, as everyone is putting on their most charming persona. Just as you are feeling the various book publishing agents out, keep in mind that they are doing the same to you.
Other Considerations When Vetting Book Publishing Agents
The literary agency where the book publishing agents work matters. The agency’s background is a crucial factor to consider. How long has the agency been in business? Have they successfully sold books to a wide variety of publishing houses? Are they renowned for the particular type of book you want to write? It pays to remember that publishing is a relationship-oriented industry.
You must also take the book publishing agents’ standing into account: are they a rookie or a senior member of the organization? How long have they been agenting? There are pros and cons for both younger and more experienced agents.
This is an important decision. Take the time you need, but make sure to let everyone know when to expect your decision. Communication is key at this stage. Many writers find book publishing agents intimidating, but at this point, you have some leverage. Don't forget it.
Letting Book Publishing Agents Know the Score
When you get your first offer of representation, you owe everyone else a chance to chime in. Communicate with them at once, but only those book publishing agents that seem serious about your manuscript. Let only the agents who have responded with a partial request, a full request, or any other kind of encouraging sign. If the agent has already passed on the project, don’t rub the offer in their faces.
The only exception is with a picture book submission, where you’ve queried with a full manuscript. Since you sent the full manuscript, contact all the agents you queried and not yet heard from. Here’s how.
Write them the following email and put “OFFER RECEIVED” in the subject line:
Dear Mary,
I know you’re still reading BOOK TITLE but I wanted to let you know that I’ve received an offer of representation. I’d like to see if you’re also interested in the project. Please get back to me by X day and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!
Author
Give the agent a week or two to respond. Within the day, you will probably hear back from some book publishing agents. They’ll either say, “Yes, I’m still reading and will get back to you within the week” or, “You know, I should probably step aside at this point.” Then you wait for the book publishing agents who still want to consider to either bow out or toss in their own offer. This is industry standard, and it’s not interpreted as pushy. Someone already sees the value in your work, so you can call attention to yourself in this situation.
I hope all of you get to experience what it’s like to receive an offer of representation! And maybe even offers from multiple book publishing agents. You’re in for a wild ride if this happens, but a potentially great outcome awaits on the other side of a very stressful few weeks.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.