If you’re waiting to hear back from a literary agent—or gearing up to pitch yourself soon—we’ve got more to discuss! Lately, I’ve been talking a lot about querying agents—because it’s one of the most common things writers ask me. Right up there with how to query is how long everything takes. How long for agents to answer a query? To read a full manuscript? To (finally!) make up their dang minds? First, congratulations. You’re officially in the game. They can’t say yes without this step. 🎉 If you’ve been following my #DearBookMama series on Instagram (you are, right? 😉), you may have seen me touch on this in late May (#5 in the series). But today, I’m going deeper—because this great question just landed in my inbox:
Q: She’s had my full manuscript for a week. I know I’m not her only priority, but how long does it typically take for agents to read and decide if they want to represent someone? Whew. Big one, right? You’ve poured your heart into a manuscript, you pitched yourself, and—YES!—they requested your book. Now you’re stuck in that most torturous of writer limbos: waiting. Hoping. Refreshing your inbox. So, how long should you mentally prepare for? A: The short answer? It depends. But here’s what tends to happen on average (and read to the end for some unexpectedly good news): ⏳ For a full manuscript request: The fact that they’ve requested your full? Already a win. They’re intrigued. Once they’ve got it:
- Quick responses (1–3 weeks): Sometimes agents fall hard and fast for a project. If your manuscript feels like a perfect match—especially if it’s highly commercial or market-ready—they may move swiftly.
- Typical range (4–8 weeks): This is the most common window. Agents are juggling existing client work, editorial deadlines, sales meetings, LIFE, and of course, other submissions.
- Longer timelines (2–6 months): Some agents simply need more time—whether due to packed schedules, upcoming book fairs (Frankfurt, London, etc.), or extra rounds of consideration with colleagues or outside readers.
📚 What affects the timeline?
- Genre & length (a 300-page self-help book reads faster than a 600-page epic novel).
- Their current submission pile.
- Their process (some read once, others read, reread, and share for second opinions or agency approval).
Here’s a behind-the-scenes truth I don’t hear discussed, but I’ve personally experienced several times: After many years working with agents, I’ve noticed that sometimes a delay is actually a very good sign. If an agent loves your work—and suspects others do too—she may take extra care with her response.
While you’re nervously imagining she’s lost interest, she might be thoughtfully crafting feedback designed to show you the value she’d bring as your collaborator. She’s not just hoping to represent you—she’s already envisioning a creative alliance. She’s putting her paw prints on your project in a way that says, “I get you. And I’ve got you.” That kind of TLC can also come fast. I once had an agent send detailed notes on how she’d elevate a proposal just two hours after requesting it. She knew it was a multiple submission, going out to a handful of agents, and she wanted the job. And guess what? She got it! Her editorial care paid off big time—and she sold the book. (Bonus: Leslie Meredith happened to be a former Simon & Schuster editor, so we scored a twofer!) So, if the silence stretches longer than you’d hoped, don’t assume it’s a no. Sometimes, that quiet is the sound of a beautiful partnership taking shape.
✨ Writing Coach Tip: If it’s been 10+ weeks and you haven’t heard anything (and they didn’t give you a specific timeline), a gentle nudge is totally appropriate. A short, kind, professional check-in can put you back on their radar—and occasionally remind them how much they still love your work. I hope you’re finding my social media Dear Book Mama Q&A graphics helpful—I’m having a blast creating them! From how not to lose an agent’s interest, to when (and how) to rock those bullet points in your proposal, to how academic thinkers can loosen up and sound more like them, whether your About the Author should be in 1st or 3rd person, and yes—even when those parentheses might be a little too extra. Ha. All little tweaks that can make a big difference on your publishing path!
I’d love to hear your thoughts—and if you’ve got burning questions you want me to tackle in a future Q&A, drop them here on Facebook, Instagram, or X. 💌
LOVE & Write on!
Linda xo
