The Phone Call is Set Up...so, some questions from a newbie...

[zannie]

Hi all - first of all, many thanks to gypsygurl who posted a while back on what to discuss when an agent calls with an offer. I am hoping very much that a phone call an agent set up with me tomorrow is THAT kind of phone call, though I don't know yet. Could be an R&R...(what are the chances, so you think, either way)? Anyway, my inexperienced question: do agents making an offer really expect you to take a week to accept? I certainly, from a courtesy viewpoint, need to take some time to let the other agent reading the ms know I've gotten an offer. But I have waited a long time for this call...is there any risk that in taking that standard week that the offering agent will change his/her mind (as in: "eh, you know I'd don't like it that much anyway...")? Or do I just need to calm down and have a glass of wine? 

[Falen]

First off, huge congrats!!! I'll cross my fingers for you that it's an offer and not an R&R.
Second, i don't think i've ever heard of anyone saying the agent rescinded the offer, ever, let alone during the standard one week time.
And it is standard and the agent should be used to it, so i think you're fine. Just chug that wine and try to get a good night's sleep

[zannie]

Thanks! I feel better...and I'm chugging away.  Will try to be a good QTer and report back in when I know more.

[edelweiss]

Oh, yeah, have the wine. Have one for me as well. Fingers crossed for an offer!

[Kimmy]

Falen, I hate to say it but I think someone on here just this year said she got an offer that was rescinded. Anyone remember that? I don't think it was from the wait at all, but she took the offer and then it was rescinded soon after. Sound familiar guys?

[Tabris]

It wasn't because of the "wait a week" thing, Kimmy. It was that the agent decided another manuscript from the same genre was more sellable, so she rescinded her offer and offered to the other writer.

[Kimmy]

That so totally sucks! What a bummer for the first writer. I didn't think it was the wait, but I couldn't remember the details. Thanks tab.

[dougie]

Zannie, good luck!  And do tell us how it goes!

[WhiteGardenia]

Falen, I hate to say it but I think someone on here just this year said she got an offer that was rescinded. Anyone remember that? I don't think it was from the wait at all, but she took the offer and then it was rescinded soon after. Sound familiar guys?

Yes, I remember, Kimmy.  And the real bummer was that she told another interested agent (who had given her an R&R) that she was accepting with this agent who then rescinded.  Unfortunately, it sort of burned a bridge with the interested R&R agent...  but as mentioned, this had nothing to do with waiting to accept. 

Good luck, Zannie.   

[Magpie]

Good luck, Zannia! A week is standard. Sometimes you don't need a week--like if you immediately click with the offering agent--but it's good business to give any other interested agents a chance to weigh in. Some will likely step away for one reason or another, and you'll talk with anyone who remains interested. I knew right away that I was going to accept the first offer because our personalities and career goals were (and continue to be) a good match. My situation was a little weird. I had a phone call with a second agent that went so badly and was such a turn-off (and also very stressful) that, after getting advice from my agented/pubbed friends, I talked with the first agent again and wound up pulling my MS from any agents still considering.

I vaguely remember reading about the agent who rescinded her offer. Really, really crummy.

[zannie]

Thanks, everybody! Yikes, what a story. My own case of nerves probably arises from my sister's experience - a few years back she got an agent offer for her nonfiction proposal and then the agent backed out shortly thereafter, due to personal problems. So, it was a huge letdown. Anyway, not even sure if this phone call is an offer...I'll know later today. Thanks again!

[absterschmidt]

Good luck, Zannie. It is standard procedure to give other interested agents a chance to read (1-2 weeks). So, don't worry if this agent gives you some time. Though there are horror stories of agents backing out of an agreement, it doesn't happen often. Just breathe and enjoy the moment.

And keep us posted!!

[zannie]

Thanks again to everyone!! Got an offer of representation, and am very, very happy. We seemed to click in a big way.

I will be letting the other agent with the ms know (will be posting above for advice on that) and the offering agent is totally cool with waiting the week. She said, "I'm assuming others have it and if it were me I'd want you to let me know and give me a week."

Again, a big thank you...reading your comments kept me from hyperventilating while I waited for the call!!

[dougie]

Woot!  Congratulatons!!!!

[absterschmidt]

 

That is awesome!!!! Congrats!!

Can't wait to hear who is this lucky agent.