Let me know if you get an offer! Plus 1 other question.

[fictionado]

The agent said she would take about 4-5 weeks to read my submission, but to let her know if I received an offer before then.
She'd also asked if any publishing house had seen my novel. She must have sixth sense--because I explained at least four of the big guys
enthusiastically requested a partial or full with two of those then requesting revisions....and the other two sent personal rejects.

This  does not necessarily indicate strong interest--right? Just the agent keeping his/her options open?


Question 2
Do you think the manuscript having a "history" ( this was six-to eight years ago--many of those editors have switched houses or left publishing ) 
hurts or improves the novel's chances?--it's a VERY different version.
  

 

[Falen]

The agent said she would take about 4-5 weeks to read my submission, but to let her know if I received an offer before then.
She'd also asked if any publishing house had seen my novel.

This sounds like just standard questions some agents ask when they request the full. I mean, she's clearly interested because she asked for the MS, so congrats!

Question 2
Do you think the manuscript having a "history" ( this was six-to eight years ago--many of those editors have switched houses or left publishing ) hurts or improves the novel's chances?--it's a VERY different version.

Unfortunately i think it hurts you some. If some publishers have already seen it and said no, that's fewers publishers the agent could then submit to if she offeres you rep.
BUT, hopefully because it was so long ago, it won't actually affect anything

[LateToTheParty]

Good questions and answers. Karma kookies for you both. 

[violet]

Agents are asking these days because a lot of people are subbing directly to editors on their own. For an agent to take on a project that's already been subbed makes no sense. So...I hope you clarified that the ms is totally different and that it was six to eight years ago because that makes a big difference.

Good luck to you! 

[fictionado]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and violet for the good luck wishes~

@falen--hmmm-I did not realize it was a standard question-good to know!
She's not the only agent,I've subbed that's requested a full--but she's been the only asking those questions.

And yeah, as I mentioned---it was quite a while ago--although she requested it regardless,
with a more recent sub direct to an editor

I emailed the manuscript two days later. That's when she said to let her know if I got an offer, but that's standard caveat to the submission process. Now-I know!

@ Late what are karma kookies?  Are they sugarless? Do they come in chocolate chip?

[LateToTheParty]

@ Late what are karma kookies?  Are they sugarless? Do they come in chocolate chip?

Look to the left, under your photo/avatar and name. There's a karma panel and a number. When you type something someone finds helpful, funny or spot-on, they can click on the applause button and you get karma points, (kookies!). Best of all, no sugar, weight gain or gas. 

[Falen]

falen--hmmm-I did not realize it was a standard question-good to know!
She's not the only agent,I've subbed that's requested a full--but she's been the only asking those questions.

Yeah they don't all ask it, but some will. Maybe around 1/4 or less? That's just a random extrapolation guess

[KimberlyAfe]

I've been asked as well about letting them know if you receive an offer. Not by all agents though.  So definitely some are asking.

[LydiaT]

I agree with Falen -- I think just about every agent I've queried has asked that. They don't want to invest time in reading a manuscript if someone's already signed it. I think that's it's more than 1/4. Maybe around 1/2 or somewhere around there