When to follow up on slow response?

[Denise Tanaka]

I queried a small press (Barking Rain) during their open reading window and got a request for full mss - hurray! The confirmation email on Sept 22 promised they would review it and give me a decision within 4 to 6 weeks. Well, it has clearly been longer than 6 weeks. I don't want to be an obnoxious diva. At the same time, I'd like to know yes/no if I can celebrate or submit it somewhere else.

How soon is too soon to follow up? What's the best way to phrase my anxious tapping at their door?

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Since you're a good couple of weeks outside their stated period, you're within your rights to nudge. If it were me, I'd keep it short and professional - dear x ref mss, I hoped you might be able to provide an update on this submission. With best regards...

 

[Overread]

Agreed, if you're outside of the window of time they suggested then you're fully within rights to send a nudge. Polite and respectful, but it is important to nudge.

First nudge by email these days is quite acceptable if you don't already have a running line of communication directly with a person. If a few days pass or a week and you still don't hear any thing start making phonecalls. You're not badgering nor being annoying; all you are doing is getting them to communicate with you about what is going on.

 

[Denise Tanaka]

OK, I have sent a brief and professional email inquiry! Let's see what happens.