What Does A Request REALLY Mean?

I hear this phrase a lot from writers at a conference. They have a manuscript with an editor or agent and then we hear, "I am one step closer to being published." Although this might make a person feel better about the long and tedious process of submissions, I hate to break it to you, but you are not one step closer.

So, what does a request from an editor or agent really mean?

A request simply means that there was something in your initial query or pitch that potentially intrigued the editor or agent. They now want to see more of the project.

That's it.

No, they are not planning on taking that project to their colleagues and deciding how much money they are going to give you. They just want to read more to see if the story is equal to that "something" that intrigued them in the first place.

Please understand, and this is something I have said over and over again her on the blog, you have to also consider what that "request" really said. Some are just editors and agents being nice. Let me give you a list of these:

• Conference pitches - Many editors and agents just don't like to look you in the eyes and say no so you get a request. They also know that only 20% of you will ever submit anything anyway. This does not necessarily mean they like your project. 
• Speed pitches - Pretty much everyone requests because there is not enough time to evaluate a project in 3 minutes. Don't consider this one a "real" request.
• Conference pitches that say, "send it whenever" - This is another courteous request. If they are leaving the door open with no deadline, the interest in your project really is not there. 

The "real" requests are those that you can hear and read the passion in their request. If you send in a query and they respond back with some comments about your writing and then want to see more, this is real.

Here at Greyhaus, if you send a query and get a request for more, it means something interested me.

If you get a request for a FULL it means that I am even more interested.

If you get a request for just a synopsis, I have questions. 

Look, getting a request is positive. But please make sure to not get too ahead of yourself. Just keep yourself grounded for a while.