Can I re submit manuscript to agent?

Question

I recently sent a children's book manuscript to multiple agents. I have received a few replies back saying they are unable to consider multiple submission inquiries. My question is, once all the agents have responded or after a period of time, can I then re submit the manuscript again to one of the previous agents but of course without it being a multiple submission. Do you think they would even bother to read it at this point?

Well in response to Persiphone_Hellecat, I actually did do my research before I submitted my manuscript. I have several copies of the Writer's Market as well as other highly recommended books. I went through and specifically searched for agents who are seeking to represent children's literature. Most of them requested a completed manuscript along with the query letter, so I did as each agent suggested. Those who stated only to send a query letter, i did. Those who said they did not accept multiple submissions, I didn't send it to them. So I really didn't just write something and send it off blindly. I do appreciate the advice you gave though and will definitely use some of it in the future. On a side note, I work a children's museum centered around children's lit, so I see kids reading books everyday and we have alot of local authors who come in for story time. The market is still there, it just may not be as easy to get published as other forms of literature.

Answer 1

Probably not. I think the fact they may have already read it is a negative not a plus. If they were interested, they would have requested you send it back exclusively for a period of 30 days or more. If they remember it, they will probably reject it again.

I have explained the submission process here a multitude of times. You really have to learn to advocate for yourself and follow submission guidelines and submit your work in a professional fashion. You immediately told all of them you were an amateur by the unprofessional way you submitted.

You should never ever never ever submit to more than two agents or publishers at a time. Then, they should both be agents that clearly state in their submission guidelines that they accept multiple submissions. What you send is usually a query letter and a synopsis - not a manuscript. I do not know of any agents who accept unsolicited manuscripts. Unsolicited manuscripts get slush piled and a clerk sends form rejection letters out when they get around to it.

In the query letter, clearly state that you have sent the query to another agent as well. That is the proper thing to do. If either is interested, they will contact you regarding the other query and request a manuscript and an exclusive. You went about it totally the wrong way.

I am wondering where you found these multiple agents, because I don't know of that many who read children's books anymore.

You should understand the children's book market. You have chosen the most difficult thing in the publishing business - getting a children's book published.

Let me describe for you the current nature of the children's book market. I just finished ghostwriting two children's books for a very major sports figure - already sold to a very major NY publisher. The first is with artist now and due out in Spring. I am currently working on another one with others to follow. This information was given to me by a Senior Editor at the publisher I write for (one of the top 5 on that list) ...

40% of children's books published today are by celebs like Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis etc.

40% are written by existing, established children's authors like Eric Carle.

15-20% are reprints of children's classics like Curious George.

That leaves at best 5% for new authors.

And that percentage is being cut into by adult authors like Carl Hiaasen and Mary Higgins Clark entering the childrens' market recently.

To that, add the fact that most of the large publishing companies are backlogged with children's books they have under contract but havent gotten out yet.

As a result, most A list publishers aren't even reading childrens' books right now, which means agents arent either. Agents only read what they can sell.

There is very little room to break into the children's market. Only books that are extremely exceptional and have huge appeal stand a chance. Forget any holiday related books - the selling season is too short to make money.

And most publishers have huge backlogs of children's books they have purchased and are not published yet. It takes about a year for a children's book to make it out. It usually takes an artist about a month a page to illustrate. So most publishers have their production schedules for children's books filled out for the next few years.

Take a walk through any major childrens' book department and you will confirm what I am telling you. Getting a childrens' book done is almost impossible - and getting an advance for it is virtually out of the question anymore. Unless you fall into one of those categories above. I am fortunate to have the backing of a very major sports star to get me in the door with kids books. I write adult novels, but believe me I have tried with kids books before and failed for exactly the reasons I list here.

Ghostwriting has gotten me in through the back door, and now I will be able to sell some of the children's books that have my name on them. For now, someone else's name is on the cover. Someone whose name sells books - big time. Don't ask me how you can get a ghostwriting deal for a major sports star ... I really backed into this. It was a gift from Heaven really and it is a blast working with this person too!!! My mantle is now covered with sports memorabilia worth a fortune!! Presents.

That is the nature of the beast. You might get a copy of Writers Market and search for some small publishers who are reading childrens' books, but searching through the agents section, you will see that almost NO agents are reading childrens' books. Try for some small publishers that read without going through an agent. Expect a lot of rejection. Develop a really thick skin and learn to advocate for yourself.

Always remember that before you send anything to anyone, check them out. Preditors and Editors, Absolute Write Water Cooler's Bewares and Background Checks, Writers Weekly.com and Writers Wall are all great sources and totally free - although if they help you, it is nice to contribute a donation. Someone has to pay for running the sites. If you do not see information on the publisher or agent in question, write to Dave K at Preditors and Editors, Victoria Strauss or James Macdonald at Absolute Write or Angela Hoy at Writers Weekly. They are happy to pass along any info they have to help you.

As for self publishing it - it will get you nowhere. Self published books dont make it to bookstores. Childrens' books are impulse buys. What is out on the tables for kids to see is what sells. Kids don't shop at websites for things like books. They have to hold them in their hand and nag Mom to buy it. The only way to achieve that is through a good traditional publisher.

I have starred a lot of great Q and A regarding writing on my profile. You can access it and print out the pages. Start a notebook you can refer to. There s a lot of good information here and I add more as I see good ones. I am doing it to help others. Feel free to use it. Add me as a fan and get the regular updates. Keep writing. Remember you have to need to grow a hide as thick as a herd of elephants. There will be more rejection letters.

Just keep writing. Be exceptional!!

Good luck. Pax - C

Answer 2

The fact that they may have read your proposal a first time is a plus. Most agents throw things in a forgotten slush pile. I think that it would be wise to choose an agent who is specifically allocated for your genre and be patient for the response. Why cross over old ground? There are thousands of agents out there and one just right for you. Take a deep breath and pay for the postage. Some agents are even now accepting cover letters via email. Look into it. The Writer's Market is a great place to start and it lists who accepts multiple submissions and who doesn't. Since it is a book I think you may have to take the slow route but it could be rewarding in the end.

Answer 3

Maybe. Agents often like to see something published first, then they take you and all your troubles on like magic.
You could try, it wouldn't hurt anybody at this point. Add a short cover letter; you re-worked the piece (even if you didn't!)and have no multiple submissions.
Good luck!