Editorial Assistant Email

[escritora]

I received an email from an editorial assistant regarding a proposal I submitted. He wrote, “We currently have books planned through Fall 2012, but as we discuss future books, I’m certain that <name of subject redacted*> will come up. I would like to hold your contact information and manuscript for now to be looked at in the future when we brainstorm potential titles.” He ends the email with, “Let me know if I can provide you with more information.”

I do have a question for him: ‘The future’ is very vague. I’d like to ask when the editorial meeting(s) is(are) for discussing 2013/2014 projects and when do they make the final list. Is that an okay question to ask? Should I ask other questions?

*I don’t want to be too pushy, but he provided a specific reason the subject’s name will come up. Based on research, I anticipated that need and compiled information on two other people that fit the publisher’s new direction. Should I mention those names in my email even though I haven’t written the sample chapters yet? I figure they may not want A, but like B and/or C. Or they could like all ideas and offer a three book deal. Many books in the series are written by the same authors. What do you think? Too pushy?

[kaitie]

I personally wouldn't mention other books unless I had samples, and even then I'm not sure I would. At last not until a contract is offered. If they're for a series, I'd mention that when discussing an actual contract.

As for the question, that seems like a perfectly reasonable question to me. Just a polite note to ask about the timeline he has in mind. I can't imagine that being viewed negatively, especially when he said to contact him if you had questions.

Just my own two (unprofessional) cents.

[Irysangel]

I guess I'm confused as to why you need to know when the meeting is? It might be in 6 months. It might be in sixteen months. I'd continue shopping/querying as normal and if you get interest, you let the publisher know.

[escritora]

I'd continue shopping/querying as normal and if you get interest, you let the publisher know.

Yes, of course.

[kaitie]

Originally Posted by Irysangel

I guess I'm confused as to why you need to know when the meeting is? It might be in 6 months. It might be in sixteen months. I'd continue shopping/querying as normal and if you get interest, you let the publisher know.

This is the kind of thing I'd want to know as well, mostly because it lets me know when not to worry about it. I'm the sort of person who would wonder all the time if they'd had the meeting yet or if it was soon or something. However if I knew it was going to be in a year, I'd be able to not be concerned for a year and then I'd worry around the time of the meeting.

I might be odd, but to me it didn't seem like an unusual thing to want to know.

[Irysangel]

Haha - no, I think I'm coming from a place of "It's going to take a while, don't worry about it." But I can absolutely understand the anxiety.

I will say that it depends on the publisher a lot. Like - Penguin doesn't schedule out as far in advance as S&S does. So 2013/2014 might mean that they're meeting on it next month, or they're not meeting on it until next year.

I guess you should feel out the assistant. Some are more open to discussion than others. Sorry to try and shut down the conversation - wasn't my intent.

Rather than ask "When is the next meeting?" You could always phrase it as a "When should I check back in with you" sort of thing?

[escritora]

Just a quick follow up: the editorial meeting is in November.

Thanks everyone for your comments/thoughts.

[kaitie]

Good luck!