Query Agents Just Before a Conference?
Q. I have a question concerning query letters. I have finished my manuscript and am ready to shop it around to agents. I will be attending [two writers’ conferences in…
Q. I have a question concerning query letters. I have finished my manuscript and am ready to shop it around to agents. I will be attending [two writers' conferences in my home state soon]. However, I would also like to begin submitting queries to other agents as well. Is that proper etiquette? Can I send out multiple queries at once? If so, what, if anything, do I need to inform my prospective agents?
- Marco
A. Sure, you can query multiple agents at once. It's recommended unless special circumstances make you want to contact one at a time.
So, yes, start querying agents now. As long as you haven't signed a contract with agent when those conferences roll around, you can pitch reps then, too.
In terms of proper etiquette, you have the option to inform agents it is a "simultaneous submission" when you send in a a query, but you don't have to do that. They assume it is unless you say otherwise.
No real reason for this photo
besides the fact that I am
pumped for the movie.

Chuck Sambuchino is a former editor with the Writer's Digest writing community and author of several books, including How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack and Create Your Writer Platform.