- A nudge informs agents you have an offer of representation.
- It goes to every agent currently holding your query or manuscript.
- It sets a deadline (commonly one to two weeks) to respond.
- It can turn a sitting submission into a competing offer.
- It is distinct from a routine follow-up on a non-response.
A nudge email is the note you send when you receive an offer of representation, telling every agent who has your query or manuscript that an offer is on the table and giving them a deadline — usually one to two weeks — to read and respond if they want to compete. It is a professional courtesy and a strategic move: a sitting submission often becomes a fast yes once an offer exists.
Chapter i·Why it matters
An offer of representation is not just a decision point with one agent — it is leverage with all the others. Many agents prioritize manuscripts they would otherwise sit on once they learn an offer exists, which can turn a single offer into several and let you choose the best fit. Knowing to nudge, and how, is the difference between accepting the first offer blindly and running a proper decision with full information.
Chapter ii·What to include
- A clear statement that you have received an offer.
- A response deadline (commonly 7-14 days).
- The agents who currently hold your query or full.
- A brief, warm, professional tone — no pressure language.
- Your original submission reference for each.
- A plan for handling the responses that come back.
Chapter iii·Example
An author gets an offer on a Tuesday. She emails the eight agents holding her full or query: she has an offer and will decide in ten days, and would love to hear from them before then. Three request a call that week, and what was one offer becomes a choice among four — letting her pick the agent who is the best long-term fit.
WriteLoom's Pitch studio shows every agent holding your material, so when an offer lands you can nudge them all in minutes.
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