A winter cold rode me down for the count. I hope to return in better spirits Monday.

Friday I sent an email to the prospective agent. Eight weeks is a reasonable amount of time for a reply, considering a self addressed stamped envelope was enclosed. Without speculating on an outcome – since anything is possible – I’ve learned one important lesson about agents. The time between initial contact and a response often reflects their interest level. The less time passes, the more encouraging the results.

Reviewing the spreadsheet of agents contacted is also revealing. After a year, 45 percent of agents queried have yet to respond. So are they a no or a yes? Good question. It’s a hard call to make. Fourth months ago, I double tapped a subset of those who hadn’t responded after six months, and one replied. Maybe a triple tap is in order.