agents: How do you prefer to receive queries, email or snail mail?

Question

Which one are you more likely to respond to?

Answer 1

I dont know that you will find many agents here. The answer is that each agent has their own preference. That is why each one has their own set of submission guidelines. If you go to Literary Marketplace (you can look it at the library but not check it out - it's a reference book) you can read any particular agent's guidelines. As an author, personally I prefer to use snail mail. I prefer to send a nice packet with a return receipt - then I know they got it. I find e mail kind of unreliable. In my personal experience, I have had e mail submissions that were never acknowledged - the old "We never got it" line.

A nice properly prepared submission packet is the way to go. Shipped flat in a cardboard envelope with plain flag stamps and a query letter on nice stationary. It makes a much nicer first impression than an e mail. Pax - C

Answer 2

When it comes down to it I believe Pax C. is right. The industry (pulishers and agents) still likes the formal submittal on good paper. With a properly formatted query or cover letter.

Lord know I’ve bought enough paper in my lifetime.

Answer 3

Agents do NOT want to be contacted by actors the do NOT know.

If you have a friend that is a clien of the agency, ask him/her for a referral to the agency.

NEVER call an agent's office unless requested to do so, as it is the surest way for them to NOT have an interest in you.