When we were finished working on her book, I referred this author out to a few agents who I thought might be interested in her work. Since I was paid to work on her project, there is a conflict of interest in my representing her. I knew she would get an agent when I referred her out, I just didn't expect she'd get an offer so soon.
We probably worked on four to five drafts of her memoir, though this took under a year as she worked quick and improved significantly with each revision. I've had a few authors like her, where with every revision, there is new and interesting material (often memoir authors remember things as they go).
In case you are wondering what the proper etiquette is when you receive an offer of representation from one of the many agents reading your book, I've put together a little list.
1. You need to decide if you want to hear what the other agents reading your project have to say or whether the offering agent is your first choice. If the offering agent is your first choice, then you can withdraw your manuscript from the other agents by sending an email that says "OFFER REC'D" in the subject line and letting them know you are withdrawing the project. Thank them for their time.
2. If the agent that offered isn't your first choice agent, or you simply want to hear what others have to say, tell the offering agent you need to give the other agents time to read; we are used to and expect this.
3. Compose an email to all the agents reading your work with "OFFER REC'D" in the subject line and let them know you've received an offer of representation but that you'd like to give them the time to read the manuscript. Tell them how much time you are giving them. If they don't have at least one weekend within that timeframe, you may put yourself at a disadvantage. I have had to forego reading projects because of the timing. We often read on weekends, so if we don't have one where we can read, we may need to pass.
4. If you have more than one offer of representation, be sure to schedule time with agent to get a sense of which one may be the best fit. What is their vision for your book? Will they help to build your platform and guide your career? What is their submission strategy? What is their communication style? Decide which agent is the best fit for you.
Although my editorial client has not yet made her decision, I'm confident she will have more than one offer on her book. I was so excited for her yesterday. I'm looking forward to seeing who has the opportunity to represent her.
