Thanks to those who gave advice on choosing an agent but the second part is how to reject an agent you don't wish to sign with. Is it just a matter of saying in an email or letter that you have decided to go with another agent?

Also that first meeting with an agent, is it you interviewing them or them interviewing you?

Many thanks

Remy

Also that first meeting with an agent, is it you interviewing them or them interviewing you?

There are loads of willing potential new clients out there, so it's them interviewing you, really. Probably best to treat it like a job-interview/first-date. But you can always walk away if you don't like them.

As for rejections, a formal letter thanking them for their time and trouble, and saying you've made the difficult decision to go with somoene else, is probably best. Be polite. You never know when you might be knocking on their door again in the future.



- NaomiM

I agree that in a way you should treat this kind of meeting like a job interview, in as far as you should present yourself professionally, be polite and enthusiastic, and "sell" yourself and your work as much as possible.

However - particularly if you're trying to decide between agents - it's also crucial that you get a feel for the agency and determine whether the agent is someone you can get along with. It's just a question of how you approach it really; I certainly didn't sit there barking questions at agents, but usually they will ask you if there's anything you'd like to ask them, and in the normal course of conversation you can usually drop a few questions in too anyway.

If you've already researched their client list and they've told you a bit about how they operate, there may not be much to ask... I do remember, though, that I asked my agent what would happen if my book failed to sell, whether they would be likely to drop me or wait while I wrote another book. They seemed to like me asking that as it showed persistence! (And were suitably reassuring.)

I sent polite and regretful emails to the other agents after meeting them, thanking them very much for their time and interest, but letting them know that I had decided to go with another agency which I felt would be a better "fit" with my work. I hated sending the emails, but it had to be done, and both agents sent nice replies.

I agree that whoever you decide not to go with you should leave a sweet taste in their mouth. This is a business and they won't be offended. But, you never know when you'll next need them.
I sent a very polite email to the agent I didn't go with and in return received a lovely good luck card.
Open doors and all that.
HB x

Of course, the more embittered and vindictive among us would send them an impersonal slip, unsigned, 6 months later...

JB

Yeah...

Just wait six months and send the agent a note to say that ' I love your agenting, but unfortunately, you does not fit my list at this time'.