I have a manuscript out with two A-mazing agents right now. Since sending them my MS, I've nearly finished my second novel, edits and all. Here's my agent "protocol" question: Should I let the agent(s) know, and ask if they'd like to see this second novel, also? Or just hold tight and wait until I hear back on the first MS? My gut says two books would only sweeten the pot. What think?
Two Books Better Than One?
- Thread starter BookQueenie
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The general rule of thumb is to query one manuscript at a time. Any agent who decides to take you on as a novelist will assume you'll write more than one book. I'd let them get back to you on the requested manuscript first since that's the one that interested them.
But there's nothing stopping you from querying other agents with your new novel if you feel it's ready.
But there's nothing stopping you from querying other agents with your new novel if you feel it's ready.
I would wait until you hear back.
If one of the agents offers, then they'll certainly ask you about other books you might have.
If one of the agents passes on this project but thinks you have potential, they'll encourage you to send future projects, at which time, you can query with the second book.
If, however, an agent passes on a project, I don't think knowing you have another book in the pipeline will make them reconsider the project at hand.
If the second novel is a sequel to the first, then you can address that with any agent who expresses further interest.
If both agents pass on this project, I would continue querying this project until you've exhausted your list before starting to query on your second project. (ETA: Given Quickbread's response on that, I suppose it's subjective.)