First of all, thanks to Christine Tyler (Writer Coaster) for the Seriously Cute Blogger award. I will dedicate a post soon, but wanted to send out my thanks to this awesome blogger. Thanks, you're so sweet.
Second,
Here is my question for Week 1 of Gearin' up to get an Agent hosted by the lovely Deana Barnhart.
What's the best time of year to query?
Silly question...maybe, but I'd like to know.
How was everyone's weekend? Mine was full of family, friends, and BBQs. Lots of fun. Now, I need to get back to work. I hope to get some revising done.
Have a great day!
I guess the fall is the best time. But writers sign with agents all the time. So really, whenever your manuscript is ready. I try and stay away from summer just b/c I know how busy I get, sure they do to.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question. I was going to send out some queries over the summer, but then I thought about agents and editors going to conferences (e.g. SCBWI) and wondered if fall wouldn't be better (and concentrate on polishing up my subs).
ReplyDeleteI've also heard that agents and editors get a little swamped in the month or two after NANOMOWRIMO.
I would tell you Fall because that's when I see everyone get agents but I have to be honest. I think any time is the right time. Go with your gut.
ReplyDeleteI was told no one answers queries in the Summer time... then just yesterday someone got a full request. With luck and a lot of hard work things just pay off when they're supposed to.
Hoping for an easier answer? Yea... Me too.
I think there are some obvious times (around holidays, July/August especiallly) when things are going to be slow, but generally it's more a matter of connecting with the right person at the right time, something you can't really plan for and there's a certain amount of luck involved.
ReplyDeletemood
my blogarama question is at Moody Writing
Follow me on twitter: @mooderino
I've always had my best luck querying from Jan 15 through May 15. Never in the summer. And from Mid-August through the end of September.
ReplyDeleteOctober is usually when royalty statements come in and agents are busy reviewing them. The holidays (Thanksgiving through New Year's) are also down time.
Of course, these are just my dates. And like they said above, agents take queries all the time. Just make sure you check their blog/website to make sure they are not taking queries before you hit send.
Good luck.
yeah summer is waaaaaaay slow. But spring is slow too because of BEA and other conferences. And winter is slow because of the holidays. And Fall is slow because of royalty statements. So really, the best time is when you're ready
ReplyDeleteAny time. If the agent likes your manuscript the time of year doesn't matter - IMHO.
ReplyDeleteLike Sarah said above me - when you're ready, GO FOR IT!
I'm with K.M. You query when you're ready (though I would avoid holidays).
ReplyDeleteI don't know the best time, but judging from comments around the blogging world, summer seems to be the worst. And I had an awesome weekend!!
ReplyDeleteBased upon what I've heard editors and agents say, Anne Gallagher's answer is spot on. However, I also agree with everyone else who said when you're manuscript is ready, go for it. Editors and agents are happy to find pure gold any time of the year. :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Ooo, I was just thinking about this question yesterday. I ran upon Nathan Bransfords blog who said there is no better time and then other people have said not during holidays or the summer. I am always one to be better safe than sorry so I'm going with the fall...maybe March?
ReplyDeleteWhat have you decided given all this input?
I have always heard to avoid holiday season but really I think you have some great answers above.
ReplyDeleteI wonder with Deanna, what do you think?
I've heard not to query in December. I would assume agents take vacations in summer. And wouldn't you know, I'm about to query in summer!
ReplyDeleteI queried two stories in June, so hopefully I beat the lull, but I won't send round two out unitl school starts again I think. Of all the times of year to query summer has to be the worst.
ReplyDeleteMy question was the same! Are you querying soon? I just sent my first letter out last night. Cross your fingers for me!
ReplyDeleteI've heard the spring is the best time...But I like the comment When You're Ready, Go For It!
ReplyDeleteI see this question posed to agents all the time, and they always give the same answer: there is no best time. Query when you're ready. Most agents read in the order they receive queries so they probably won't get to your query until a month or so down the line anyway.
ReplyDeleteI've read that spring is the time of the year to query.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I see a variety of answers. Don't really know, but agents are so busy, there's probably never a fantastic time. But if they like it, they like it.
ReplyDeleteIs your MS all shiny and pretty?
ReplyDeleteIs your query letter polished and sharp?
Have you done your research and know what agents would be interested in your work?
If the answer is yes to all--then go for it! A great book will sell ANYTIME!
Emily, just saw your post. You sent one out? Yay! Good luck:)
ReplyDeleteI would stay away from December, July and August. But, that's just me.
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now.
Excellent question. I guess I'll have to consider that. :/
ReplyDeleteHi Christine. We have a lot in common. I, too, am a stay at home mom, interior designer and aspiring novelist, though I have only one in the vault at this time. Anyway, I'm your newest follower and a fellow BlogFester.
ReplyDeleteYou ask a superb question, one I would like an answer to myself. I had a tremendous amount of responses in the winter to spring months (January to March). Anne Mini had a post once about not querying during or just after any major holidays as the agents will have a backlog.
I've heard that summer is bad, but then again, Sarah LaPolla just complained about not getting many queries, so maybe it is a good time. I certainly haven't received many responses in the last 3 weeks since restarting my query process. I'm hoping fall proves to be the perfect time.
Either way, I will keep sending those queries out there.
I have no idea! But it's nice to review what others are answering.
ReplyDelete