how long should I wait for a reply from an agent?

[angeliz2k]

I think the title pretty much says it all. I sent out a few queries at the beginning of April and haven't gotten any replies. Should I wait a little longer or just assume that they didn't have the time to reply and that I was (sadly) rejected?

[IceCreamEmpress]

I think the title pretty much says it all. I sent out a few queries at the beginning of April and haven't gotten any replies. Should I wait a little longer or just assume that they didn't have the time to reply and that I was (sadly) rejected?

Some places have a "no response means no" policy, but you can usually find that on their "Guidelines" page on their website.

With the ones that don't say that, feel free to status query after a couple more weeks--you've only had these queries out for six weeks, max, which is no time at all in publishing.

[Prawn]

And think about sending another batch of queries.

[stormie]

Wait at least four weeks longer. Heck, my first time around, it took an agent about eight months to get back to my query, and I already signed with another one. Send out some more while you're waiting. But target the agents you'd really want to rep you.

ETA: There are agents who won't respond if they're not interested. Remember, they're busy with their clients, too.

[windyrdg]

My advice would be: forever. As Ice Cream said, some agents use the no interest, no response policy...esp. on email queries.

I always build a spreadsheet and record the date, which agency it was sent to and who within that agency got it, which query format was used (assuming that you change and polish if you don't get any positive responses), what was sent (ie: query, query & synopsis, query, synopsis and sample pages/chapters),and I leave a column for their response, if any. If you haven't heard after 90 days, I would recommend re-querying rather than send an inquiry.

There are plenty of agents out there, query widely. Good Luck.

[Charlie Horse]

The answer to this varies widely from agent to agent. One thing you might note, if the agent allows email queries, then definitely go that route. Usually in that case response times are much quicker, sometimes in the same day. Of course it doesn't take long for an agent to read an email and send out a quick form rejection reply.

[Pamster]

I'm with the others, wait a little while longer but definitely send out some new queries. It's a slow business, yet it definitely is worth it when you find the one agent willing to take a chance on your work. I'm not there yet myself but I just know it's coming soon. ;)

[Gillhoughly]

Four months is the minimum wait for most places.

If the website says "response in six weeks" triple that time. Quadruple it if they say response in less time than that.

My editor of nearly 20 years has had my novel on her desk since October. She got around to reading it in March, and only last Friday made an offer. (After some nagging for a reply from my agent.)

Even when you have a track record you have to wait.

Send your stuff out to other places.

Be working on your next two projects to keep your head from exploding.

When you send a hard copy out, put in a stamped, addressed postcard with "X's MS (title) has arrived. The editor will toss that in her out box. Then you know it arrived.

Good luck.