Following on from yesterday’s little rant and about the inflexible and old fashioned publishing world, here is a little pertinent update. The last two agents I submitted to (Jenny Brown Associates/ Brandon and Associates) both have new policies (new for 2009!) preferring to receive submissions by email. Is this just good fortune or indicative of a gradual culture change?
I prefer sending submissions via email. For starters it is a lot quicker and cheaper (those £1.28 each time adds up!). Also it means I can do it discreetly at work first thing in the morning, rather than having to furtively guard the communal printer while it reams off the masterpiece and then trot off to the Post Office at lunchtime, which is a good 20 minutes away and always tempts me to fill up on lots of junk!
However as always one slight negative on the horizon. Jenny Brown Associates does warn that in keeping with their ‘new policy’ that they will not be sending rejections. If you do not hear within 8 weeks you should just take the almost guaranteed rejection for granted. Now I know I bemoan rejection slips and the momentary crush they inflict on your ego, but to be honest it is better than nothing. At least you know if nothing else someone has handled your manuscript, taken the time to scribe your name on a standard letter and push it all back in your SAE….
…I know, some people are never happy!
