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.
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