Etiquette when an agent says they're closed to submissions

Submission protocol, query etiquette, and strategies that work
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pabrown
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Etiquette when an agent says they're closed to submissions

Post by pabrown » December 8th, 2009, 11:50 pm

What would you recommend if an agent you think would be perfect for your novel says they are closed to unsolicited submissions? Is it okay to send a simple query anyway? Is this ever effective or is it counter productive?
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kristi
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Re: Etiquette when an agent says they're closed to submissions

Post by kristi » December 9th, 2009, 12:00 am

Um, don't do it. If they think you can't follow submission guidelines, they might be less inclined to think you can follow directions if they take you on as a client. I have two agents on my Query list that are currently closed to submissions, so I'm just checking their sites occasionally to see if they change their status - I won't be querying until Jan. and if they're still closed to submissions at that point then I'll take them off my list.

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SmurfHead
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Re: Etiquette when an agent says they're closed to submissions

Post by SmurfHead » December 9th, 2009, 12:03 am

Ditto. It's certainly tempting to submit anyway, but when I put myself in the agent's shoes, I think I'd be more annoyed than interested.

It's like going up to someone with a wedding ring on their hand and saying, "Hey, I know you're signaling that you're not interested in taking on a new relationship, but you could be sooo perfect for me!" :) An exaggeration, of course, but you get what I'm saying, right?
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Mira
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Re: Etiquette when an agent says they're closed to submissions

Post by Mira » December 9th, 2009, 12:04 am

Oh, goodness no. Don't do it. I know, it's tempting, but resist! They will think that you can't

a. read the instructions, or
b. don't respect their needs as a potential business partner

No, it's hard, but definitely, absolutely wait. It's probably only a few months. Sending it now would almost guarantee you a 'no.'


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shadow
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Re: Etiquette when an agent says they're closed to submissions

Post by shadow » December 9th, 2009, 7:04 pm

There are plenty of other agents to query. If they are closed don't bother.
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