How Much Time Between Request And Submission

I have sort of discussed this in the past here on the blog, but I do think this is an issue that really does need to be addressed. The simple question is, how much time can there be between a request for more material from an editor or agent, and the time you finally get around to sending the project to the person.

I do believe the first item to discuss here is how much of an interest that editor or agent showed you after hearing your pitch or reading your query letter. I will honestly say that if you pitch to an agent or an editor at a conference, and especially during the new fad (which as an aside I believe is a complete waste of time for everyone) the speed pitch, you have to really listen to the words the person sitting opposite of you uses. If the editor or agent says, "Hey, this sounds interesting, so just send me something, say the first three or five chapters, whenever you feel the project is ready." this is simply a polite way of saying, I am not jumping out of my skin to get my hands on this project. 

If, however, you see a REAL genuine interest. This person is asking questions, wants to know more about that project and follow up projects, and you simply ran out of time in the pitch session to get that work to the person, then you dang well better get moving and send it.

You have to understand that editors and agents are thinking about holes in their line-up, thinking about slots they want to fill, and for agents, they are thinking about conversations they have had with editors who told them to look for something. They are ACTIVELY looking and if they think your story is it, then you send it!

It is important to know that the time between a submission says a lot about you and your career. I have had people submit projects to me literally 11 months later. They open their query letter with a statement about how excited they were to meet me at the conference and loved my enthusiasm... and then 11 months happened. 

That time lag can tell us several things:

1. You were never ready to submit in the first place. The reality is, if your project was not finished, then you had no business pitching. You took up a slot from someone else who was ready.
2. You have a serious lack of follow through. This is the type of person who we learn in life to never believe a promise. These are the people who have a lot to say but when it comes down to it, are never there to be counted on. Editors and agents need people when the time comes. 
3. You cannot stick a deadline if you tried. Remember that if you are signed by a publisher, the art department, business department, your editor, the copy editor and a whole group of people are waiting on you. Your agent and editor are blocking out time just for you, but there are a lot of people behind you. Hold up one person, you hold up a lot of people. 
4. We were never really your first choice and now you are desperate because everyone else passed on you. We get that you have simultaneous submissions. But every person you pitch to needs to be a #1 choice. Sure, you might have your DREAM location, but every person you talk to needs to be someone you are 100% ready to work with. If you pitched to me, for example, but then sent things out to everyone else and I am just your back-up plan, that shows little confidence in me or the relationship.

The reality is that you should take no more than 2 weeks to get back to a person. Even during the summer conference season when we all know the editors are taking time off after all of the conferences, get the work to them. Make sure it is in ON TIME and AS PROMISED.