She wants a 6 to 8 week exclusive, which I think is too long in my opinion.
I would like to send it to her but don't like that long time frame.
When I tell her about the other agent, can I ask her if she still wants it and ask if I could shorten the time? Or is that too much? I would add that I wouldn't send it to any others than too.
Well...I wouldn't ask if she still wants it. I would send it with the explanation (it's harder to say no if it's right there to read).
As for the time...well, you can state you can't grant 6-8 weeks - but if you are willing to grant her the exclusive, I'm not sure you gain much about quibbling about time. I'd say go for 6 weeks - but don't ask, just state that you can't grant the exclusive since it's already out with another agent, but you're willing to not send it to anyone else for 6 weeks, if that is acceptable. (Assuming you are willing to do that). Then, even if the exclusive period expires without action, it's only July and you could conceivably query some more before the August dead zone. Or, go for the whol 8 weeks if you really are serious about this agent. It's the summer, anyway.
Haha...thanks. I actually like that response. Should I add that I won't keep sending it out though?
Only if you are willing to compromise and sort of grant an exclusive as to all other agents. I mean, if you don't say that, it's not an exclusicve at all. But if you agree to that term, it's a compromise that shows the agent you are serious, and meeting her halfway. Assuming that is what you want to do, and if it is an agent you are serious about, then why not? besides, it's summer.
~suki