EQ: 3/3/20
ER: 6/26/20 - polite form apologizing for the delay

Contemporary Fantasy, 93k Words

EQ: 4/30 (received automated response that the agency got my query)
ER: 6/26

97k sci-fi

EQ: 6/8/20
ER: 6/26/20

YA Contemp. Form rejection. Seems like a lot were sent out today.

EQ: May 25, 2020
ER: June 26, 2020
YA contemp

EQ: 05/08/2020
(Sent to Agency as a whole)
Immediate receipt reply stating turnaround time roughly 8-10 weeks
ER (form:) 06/26/2020
Contemporary Fantasy
83000 words

EQ: 5/13/2020
FR: 6/26/2020

Adult Fantasy, 95k

EQ: 5/13/20 (addressed to Holly Root specifically)
Full request: 5/22/20
ER: 6/24/20 Short but kind rejection, somewhat personalized.

Adult fantasy, 95k

There is no Kurestin Armada on their website. I stand corrected for Melanie Castillo.

Received a form rejection by the entire agency after a month or so. And I have some thoughts to share here. For reference, I queried a double own voices YA novel.

While I appreciate the opportunity to share my work with Root Literary and for them all taking the time to review my submission, part of me can’t help but wonder if a form rejection from the entire staff may possibly be a reflection of the lack of diversity on their team. In the past I would have taken this rejection as another notch on my belt, but in light of current events, part of me is beginning to question if their inability to connect may also stem from WHO is on the receiving end of these submissions. In this case, a staff of all white women.

Just something for us diverse writers to think about when we query not so diverse agencies. My suggestion would be to rid of the “no from
One, is a no from all,” policy going forward and of course to strive to hire more diverse agents.

Jessie1994,

I don't think Melanie Castillo and Kurestin Armada are white?

EQ 5/6/20
Form rejection 6/23/20

82k contemp romance

I submitted to the whole agency and got a rejection a month later. Upon reflection, though, I think it would have been better to query one agent instead of having the query floating around. At least that agent would hopefully take a good look at it. Just my thoughts. I wouldn't do it again. Has anybody had luck with this approach?

Jessie1994,

They're very collaborative, so if it's not right for one agent but might be right for another, they'll share. A few Root Lit clients are repped jointly by more than one agent. As for turnaround time, 6-8 weeks is standard, but remember to factor in holidays and summer Fridays, too!

I also queried the agency as a whole on May 21st.

Anyone have any experience with querying this method on turnaround time? I wonder if it gets passed to the one "most likely" to accept it or just passed around in general.

EQ: 3/24 Sent to Agency as a whole
ER: 5/22

80K YA Paranormal Romance

EQ: 1/19/20
ER: 3/27/20