YAQQ (yet another query question)

[maestrowork]

In my queries, I casually mention that I'm working on my next novel. One agent wrote back and said, while he would pass on the finished ms, he'd be glad to be queried on the other one.

It's clear in my original query that the "other one" is only a WIP. But since he "requested" it, should I query him anyway and send first 3, or should I just wait until I'm done with the ms (it could be months)?

[katdad]

he'd be glad to be queried on the other one.
You've answered your own question, I think. He didn't tell you to send the book. He did ask to be queried. So that is what I'd recommend.

By the way, "YAQA" ? Yet Another Query A____?

[MarthaOConnor]

I think you should definitely wait until you have a finished product to show him. What if he loves the first three chapters and requests the full and it isn't finished? Or what if he requests the full right away? Or what if, in the process of writing the novel, you discover some amazing thing about your main character that you need to foreshadow in the first chapter?

I think you should keep querying on the first novel, open a file called QUERIES FOR NOVEL #2, and put the guy's name in there with a note to yourself that he requested to hear from you again.

Good luck!

[sqrrll]

I agree with Martha. You have enough on your plate right now. You are trying to sell your first work and finish your second work. Be patient with the second WIP. You don't want to rush it and have it not be your best.
Also, what would happen if he replies to the WIP query and asks for the whole thing when your done? Then you would either make him wait the few months you expect it to take or you write day and night and not at your own pace to get it done. That might cause some sacrifice to quality.
My advice is to wait until the WIP is done.

[maestrowork]

Actually the first one has been sold. But I'm still looking for an agent. Also, this agent knows that the second one is a WIP, but his response still says (verbatim): "If you care to send me a query concerning X, I'll gladly get back to you."

I'm just wondering, is he interested in repping me if I'm any good even if the book's not finished? Agents do rep writers based on proposals only... right?

[arrowqueen]

Personally I'd strike while the iron was hot: first three chapters, synopsis - and cover note saying this is what you've done so far.

Best of luck, whichever way you decide to go.

Cheers,
aq

[James D Macdonald]

"If you care to send me a query concerning X, I'll gladly get back to you."

So, send a query concerning X. Let him or her get back to you.

[mr mistook]

Re-write the query for the first novel to make is sound vaguely like whatever you let-on about the second and see if he bites. :rollin

[maestrowork]

Actually the first one has been sold.

;)

[MarthaOConnor]

Yes, that's VERY good news! Did you use an agent, or did you make the deal yourself?