A question posted by Drachen Jager:
Hi Jennifer,Jennifer Laughran's response:
I have a question about percentages. You said above that you accept approximately .1% of what crosses your desk (which, I gather, is pretty normal for an agent). What I'd like to know is, what percentage of manuscripts you request make it out of the slush pile and on to your client list?
I have two manuscripts out on requests right now (one partial) and I'm just wondering what my odds are. They've both been out for over a month which I hope is good news since both requests were made within a week of my query (going under the (possibly flawed) assumption that if they read queries so fast they probably have at least looked at my MS).
Thanks! You're doing a great thing here and I'm sure it's a big drain on your time. I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say we really appreciate your efforts!
Umm... I have no idea. I would say that I request about 1 full in every 50-80 queries. And of those fulls, I end up repping possibly 1-2%Don't know about you all, but I need a drink. And a dose of genius.
Dare I say, 'happy submitting'?
Martina
Ugh. I don't care much for those odds. Except if you think about how many agents are accepting a different 1-2% of requested fulls, the odds improve.
ReplyDeleteSo, yes, happy submitting everyone, because we certainly won't find an agent if we don't even try!
Thanks for the info, Martina!
Yikes! That is depressing. Makes me want to revise one more time!
ReplyDeleteI love the dedication you both show! That's exactly right: submit your best work -- and keep submitting. Good luck!
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