Dealing with writers, I notice they generally fall into two camps
1. The ones that follow up too quickly.
2. And the ones that don’t follow up at all.
Dealing first with 2) …
It’s your RIGHT to follow up submissions and queries. What’s more, you may MISS OUT on opportunities if you don’t. Emails, tweets, phone calls and submissions DO fall by the wayside.
Contrary to popular belief, agents, producers, script editors etc are NOT waiting for you to contact them … They have work to be getting on with, so things get forgotten, even if they HAVE solicited contact or your script or novel. So make sure you follow up!
Going back to 1)
Then, first up: good for you, realising you have to follow up on queries on submissions.
Secondly, CALM DOWN! Yes, an agent, producer, script editor or whatever MAY have solicited your work or your contact, but please remember that whilst it might be the most important thing for YOU, they are most likely not waiting by the phone/computer/letterbox for it, their existing clients or work comes first. Just a reality, I’m afraid!
But when is the “right” time for following up? Well as with all things, this is open to interpretation, but I’ve done the following and received no death threats in return, so I think it’s an okay strategy … Ready? Here you go:
Submissions
Great news! Your script or novel has been requested by someone or you’ve found an open call … Bad news: you’ve heard nothing yet. When you follow up depends on how you’ve submitted and to what. Here’s my thoughts on the subject:
You’ve submitted via email (no deadline)
This depends who you’re sending to. If an agent or producer, about twelve to sixteen weeks is fine.
If a FAVOUR, leave it with whomever you’ve sent it to, to get back to you with a date that’s suitable for them – ‘tis only fair!
You’ve submitted via snail mail (no deadline)
First up … Do be aware however the vast majority of ALL places do not accept snail mail these days. Always check the submissions guidelines.
However, every now and again some places accept these. So, wait 20+ weeks after your submission. That’s right! 20+ weeks, since they’ve probably got PILES AND PILES to get through.
If you haven’t heard after this date, no one minds a short, polite email “enquiring as to the progress” of your submission.
You’ve submitted via snail mail or PDF (deadline)
Many schemes and contests will let you know they’ve received your entry safely, either via email or by sending back the stamped self addressed postcard you’re clever enough to send WITH your entry.
After that, usually contests and schemes will make an announcement online and if you DON’T hear individually, you haven’t placed or won. Some contests let EVERY entrant know, though sadly they’re in the minority.
Generally the turnaround of contests and schemes are anything from 2-20+ weeks these days.
General emails
In the past, email responses were a lot slower; generally you could send one and not get a response for up to three or four weeks and that was considered a “normal” turnaround.
Nowadays, thanks to social media and the generally higher traffic of emails, email turnaround I would venture is more like up to 5 working days, with emails *after* this point considered “lost”. So follow up general emails after 5-10 days if no response.
Asking someone to do something for you
If asking a favour and that person replies to you saying they will do it, DON’T follow up right away – ie. hours later or the next day, it’s really annoying.
Give that person time enough to get it done but not SO much time they forget all about it. If your favour has not been done in ten working days, a polite reminder is enough.
Query Emails/Pitches
Sending queries/pitches via email asking people to read your script or novel is a great way of getting your work solicited. However, it’s really annoying if you BADGER people to read your work as it sends the wrong impression.
If you don’t get a response to your query email in 14-21 working days, send another. If you still don’t get a reply – leave it. Similarly, if the agent/producer or person in question declines your query, don’t send another immediately, wait a while … 8-12 weeks at least.
Lucy – You’ve really hit on a quandary I’m in! Not sure what to do… A producer asked for one of my scripts last May (which I sent of course!). Got her by phone in July, then again in Sept – she hadn’t read it yet. She was putting two films together, she said. I asked if trying back around Thanksgiving would be good, and she said sure – then I read in November that both of her projects got green-lighted – and didn’t call. Most people say no answer is an answer…. but I checked back recently with a different company who has a different script (since last April!) and they seemed pleased I’d called. (Still haven’t read it either, but promised they would this month.) Good grief. I don’t know what to do, or think!
I’ll be honest with you, it sounds like her interest has probably lapsed, especially if she’s making a film. But I’d give it one last try and then let it go. Good luck!
A producer contacted me about a script of mine that he got from a contest that I won. I sent other scripts to him the night after we talked on the phone and 5 days later he got back to me saying that he is looking forward to reading. That was about 3 weeks ago. Is it to early to send a follow up email?
Yes
“Love you” is hysterical. I definitely might have done that. Thanks! hahaha
Got a script request about 4 weeks ago. I have the name of the person who requested it, but the submission email was addressed to queries@… I also have had previous email contact with the co-owner of the management/prod group. But I didn’t think it was appropriate to contact her at this point. She might scold me for not following the ‘chain of command’. I’m eager for an update, should I try an contact the solicitor or the co-founder?
Too soon. As the post says, 6-8 weeks minimum
I submitted a script via attorney, (one of the options for this particular TV company), and not sure of the time frame for him to follow-up. It’s within your suggested waiting period, so wondering if I need to address the issue with him.
I read responses to a number of questions. I hadn’t sought publication with out being asked first (occasionally) in the last twenty years because I’ve been teaching full time. Your responses seemed solid and similar to what I would expect. Early in my career I got help from two unexpected sources but I submitted short stories then. This time around it will be a full length novel. Your answers will help. Thanks.