Hello everyone.
After years of avoiding writing forums I’m finally taking the plunge! This does seem like a very civilised forum and I hope someone out there will be able to help me with my situation.
So, here goes –
Last Autumn I found an agent I liked the look of and sent of a sample of my novel . They contacted me and asked to see more (this was done by email as is their preferred method of communication). They asked to see the next 30k but I mis-read the email and sent this via snail mail and have heard nothing since and I haven’t contacted them as I thought this might be bad form.
To be honest the novel at that stage wasn’t right and I have since re-written and I want to approach this agent again.
Firstly, what I am wondering is – is it likely that the manuscript that I sent snail mail is still sitting at the bottom of a slush pile and has yet to be read ? Should I approach them with the re-written copy and remind them who I am and bring them up to date on the re-write? Or, should I just re-submit as a ‘new writer’?
Secondly, in my ‘biog’ I mentioned that I was about to start the MPhil at the University of Glamorgan with an different writing project ( I withdrew because of funding ) and I have been told that this might have gone against me as I could have been seen as ‘unfocused’ on a commercial writing career. Could this be the case? I don’t intend to pursue any further academic creative writing in the future (already have an MA), so is it worth mentioning these?
Finally, I have been told that its unusual for an agent to show interest but then not come back with either an out-right rejection or offer of further discussion, so , could I be right in thinking that my original manuscript has taken something of a detour and that it would be worth approaching these agents again?
Sorry for the long post, but some impartial advice or suggestions would be great.( I write general 'historical' fiction for women BTW)
Thanks in advance

Firstly, what I am wondering is – is it likely that the manuscript that I sent snail mail is still sitting at the bottom of a slush pile and has yet to be read ?

Possibly, although if email is their preferred method of communication it might simply have gone into the recycle bin.

Should I approach them with the re-written copy and remind them who I am

Yes. If you have the original email then I would just reply to it, sending them the 30K "as requested". Apologise for the delay and say you've been rewriting it.

Or, should I just re-submit as a ‘new writer’?

No.

Secondly, in my ‘biog’ I mentioned that I was about to start the MPhil at the University of Glamorgan with an different writing project ( I withdrew because of funding ) and I have been told that this might have gone against me as I could have been seen as ‘unfocused’ on a commercial writing career. Could this be the case?

I very much doubt it.

I don’t intend to pursue any further academic creative writing in the future (already have an MA), so is it worth mentioning these?

If the MA is writing related then certainly mention it. If not, just mention it in passing.
Not worth mentioning the MPhil if you didn't complete the course.

Finally, I have been told that its unusual for an agent to show interest but then not come back with either an out-right rejection or offer of further discussion, so , could I be right in thinking that my original manuscript has taken something of a detour and that it would be worth approaching these agents again?

I think I've covered this already. Since you haven't heard anything since August then it's probably safest to assume the snail mail mss never got to the agent, so it's permissable to contact them via email with the revised 30K and hope they remember you.
Meanwhile, don't wait for this agent to get back to you. Get down to submitting to a couple of dozen other agents asap. You don't have to submit to them one at a time.

Good luck,

NaomiM

<Added>

Oops, I mean Autumn, not August.

I agree with everything Naomi says except:

If you have the original email then I would just reply to it, sending them the 30K "as requested". Apologise for the delay and say you've been rewriting it.

I personally would make it clear that you sent 30k as requested back in (whenever) but heard nothing - then you could add something like "I hope you don't mind my resubmitting; I presume the original submission may have gone astray."

Only because if I were an agent I would be thinking "huh, I requested a partial back in 2010 and the guy has taken 6 months to respond?" To me this would look a little flaky. I think it's better to make it clear that you did reply promptly. And also if your original sub resurfaces it won't cause confusion.

Having said that, some agents do take forever to respond (I had one that took over 9 months from initial contact to final response) so it is perfectly possible that your original sub is still working its way up the pile. In which case you might want to specify in your new reply that you have rewritten and they should disregard your original sub if it resurfaces.

Nothing to add after great advice from both - I agree, given the long break I'd mention that you sent it before, but realise that it might not have got there.

Sorry to hear about the MPhil - that's a shame. But I agree, probably not worth mentioning.

Emma

Thanks for the replies!

I feel like kicking myself for not getting on to this sooner, but I just assumed I'd been rejected. I know that I should be more pushy, but I'm never sure where publishers/agents draw the line between a confident and assertive writer or a pushy pest.

I am tentatively thinking of posting up the first couple of pages for opinions , where would be the best place to do this?

Thanks

You need to join one of the writing Groups first (as a trial member you can only join one group and upload one piece of work) - you'll find the list here:
http://www.writewords.org.uk/groups/
It's best to choose a group where members are actively uploading and commenting. Intensive Critique is a good one, and suits all genres. Otherwise there's the genre ones such as Womans Fiction, Childrens, Speculative Fiction (- Fantasy/SF).
Once you join a group (and after an initial 'pending period' while Admin add you to the group members list) you can upload a piece of work. Click on your My WriteWords in the top right hand corner of the page and you'll see 'click here to upload new work' and follow the instructions. You should see the group you've joined listed next to Which Group? If not, then wait a bit longer as your application to join will still be pending.

If you get stuck just give s a shout.


- NaomiM

Welcome to WW and just wanted to reiterate what others have said. Just send it off with a quick mention of the hard copy.

It would be very bad form to reject without telling you after calling in the rest - don;t think any agent would do that [??}so probably slipped through the cracks. Good luck! Tell us what happens!

Thanks all for the encouragement.

I am currently re-jigging the synposis for the re-write ( which is fairly significant as it cuts out a major character - but also muddled genres, hence him being axed)and I aim to contact the agents again at the end of the week.

Fingers crossed!

Good luck!


- NaomiM