What is an offer of representation?
- A formal proposal from an agent to represent you.
- Usually delivered by phone, not email.
- Comes after the agent has read the full manuscript.
- Triggers a 1-2 week notification window for other agents with your material.
- Can result in multiple offers if other agents respond.
An offer of representation is a literary agent formally proposing to represent you and your book — usually delivered by phone call after they’ve read the full manuscript and want to work with you. The offer triggers a 1-2 week window where you notify other agents who have your full or partial, and they get a chance to make their own offers.
Chapter i·Why it matters
An offer is the moment querying turns into negotiation. The 1-2 week notification window is critical — it gives other agents a chance to consider you. Some of those agents pass; some accelerate their review; some make competing offers. The window is where multiple offers come from.
Chapter ii·What to include
- The phone call: take it; ask questions; don’t accept on the spot.
- A 1-2 week notification window for other agents.
- A notification email template to send other agents.
- A list of questions to ask before signing.
- A sample agency contract to review.
- A way to decline cleanly if you don’t choose this agent.
Chapter iii·Example
A querying writer gets an offer call from an agent at month 14 of her search. She thanks the agent, asks for 10 days to consider, and notifies the 6 other agents with her full or partial. Three of the six respond: one passes, two also offer. She talks to all three and signs with the agent whose vision for the book matches hers.
WriteLoom’s Pitch studio tracks every offer’s status and the notification window — so the 1-2 weeks doesn’t get lost.
See the Pitch studio