Let's be honest....

[johndavid]

When we query an agent we give them our home address, email, SASE, and phone number.

Don't you think if an agent wants to represent you...they are going to call?

Maybe I'm wrong.

Nathan?

Agented authors here?

[stephmcgee]

I'm not agented, but I've read a lot that is mixed. Some agents will e-mail to set up a phone call wherein they offer representation. Some agents will offer representation in the e-mail that sets up the phone call. (This thus allows for the author to determine the questions they most need or want to ask and lets the phone call go smoother.) Most will set up a call, however. That's the general impression I've gotten through reading blogs, following agents on twitter, etc.

[shadow]

THEY will Stalk you out.
THEY will find your house.
THEY will watch you.
THEY will suck your blood!

Lol, truthfully it depends on the agent :)

[Quill]

Your address tells the agent in which time zone you are located, which is helpful for planning the call.

[Nathan Bransford]

I really do call an author before offering representation. I want to get a sense of their personality and whether I feel like we'd work well together before I make the formal offer. And my now-agent called me as well. I think it's the most common way of going about it, but I'm sure there are agents who do it all via e-mail.

[HillaryJ]

I've heard of a couple of email conversations followed by email offers...good agents, good matches. I assume actual talking occurred at some point along the way. I had a lengthy conversation with my agent and an email Q&A (my Q's) followed by another lengthy conversation before pairing up with my agent. She wanted to make sure we were compatible, especially when it came to communication.

That's one thing that isn't always obvious in print but is more readily determined during dialog, how well you're actually understanding the other person.

Also, Quill, you're right on about the time zone. I'm in the U.S., but four hours behind NYC. We have to really plan for me to get up early (the last resort since my brain is rarely returned to me until about 7 AM) or block out a lunch hour, or for her to take a late call.

[Lillian Grant]

I just hope that 'if,' and that is a big 'if,'' I ever get an offer from an agent they let me know before they call. Firstly, because most agents are in the US and I live in Australia, and I am not at my most sparkly charming self when woken from a deep slumber and, secondly, so I can mentally prepare myself and not shreek into their ear with excitement, making them permanently deaf. :)

[CraftyCreations]

the last resort since my brain is rarely returned to me until about 7 AM

Oooh - can I use that except change the time to noon? :)

Candy

[HillaryJ]

the last resort since my brain is rarely returned to me until about 7 AM

Oooh - can I use that except change the time to noon? :)

Candy

You may use it, just be aware that the permission expires at 11:59 AM.