How does one gracefully rescind an offer for agent representation?

The “Book” Edition (A “Magazine Version” forthcoming in next week’s Alle Alert)

When it comes time for you to sign with an agent and you would rather work with a different one, let the preferred agent know in an email with:

• the subject line: OFFER OF REPRESENTATION for (Name of your project); and
• a couple sentences saying you’ve had an offer for representation but would prefer to work with them.
• Finish: “Would it work for you to have an answer to me by the end of the week/next Tuesday/ the date — whatever is making sense for your needs.

These folks are pros; they won’t hold it against you. Well … they might hold it against you, but if that is the case, you might doubt their professionalism; nay, their maturity.

If anything, they should respect your business savvy and professionalism. Don’t forget to let the agent with the offer know that you need a week or so to go over your contract with your lawyer. Not only is the a necessary step before signing, it gives you a little time to hear back from the preferred agent.

Speaking of “hearing back”: you owe it to every agent and publisher who still has your manuscript to send them the same e-mail. (Don’t “BCC” — every agent receives their own mail.)

Who knows, you might receive yet another offer for representation! I received two additional offers. After years of rejections, talk about an ego boost.