Query: 1/13/25
Full Request: 1/14/25
First Call: 1/18/25, asked for revisions
Revisions Sent: 2/19/25
End of Talks: 3/9/25
Adult Fantasy 305k

I queried Diego in January, before he had a page on QueryTracker. He was a very new agent, with only a couple authors (I believe he officially joined SBR the December before). He was very quick with all responses, which was very nice. Not only did he respond to my query quickly, but he reliably answered any emails sent to him within a couple days. In our call he and his wife (who is herself an author) had some helpful feedback for a section of my book, and both seemed very interested and excited in the story. He was very communicative during our time emailing one another, and seemed very excited to work with me.

Early on he mentioned the possibility of splitting the book into thirds, as he was concerned about the length (an understandable concern), but he put it up as simply an option, one I agreed to consider, though I expressed concerns with the idea. We continued to talk over the next couple months, and eventually the possibility became a necessity, and he stated I would have to split my book into thirds. While I had considered the option and tried to find ways of making it work, I could not find a way to split the book as he requested in a way that wouldn't negatively affect the quality of the story and thus sabotage the book's chances of success (few people are willing to give books 2 & 3 a chance if book 1 felt unfinished and unsatisfying, and even fewer publishers are willing to give books 2 & 3 a chance if book 1 sold poorly). I expressed this to him, but after some back-and-forth he remained adamant that the book needed to be split into thirds.

Unable to reconcile this difference of opinions, it became clear we were not a good match. Alongside my concerns with splitting the book into thirds, by the time we stopped talking Diego still hadn't finished reading the manuscript. I was not upset at him for this, I understand that it is a very large manuscript and I was not the only person Diego was speaking to. But I simply could not agree to a decision as major as splitting the book into thirds when the person making the demand hadn't read the full manuscript. If he had finished the manuscript and offered possibilities for how to do as he suggested while keeping the individual parts satisfying to read, I might have been willing to split the book. But with things the way they were, I could not be comfortable doing as he demanded.

With all I have seen, I am sure Diego will be the perfect agent for some people. He is passionate, driven, and prompt in his communication. But he can perhaps be a bit too eager, and in this case that made him a bad fit for this particular book.

Query 4/3
Full Request 4/7
YA indigenous American Romantasy 83k #Ownstories

@nicklx92666 sounds like Diego dodged a bullet with you. Kindly refrain from telling me what and where to post. I have been nothing but polite and civil. If you are going to suggest on a public forum that an agent is unethical, expect some push back. I am not in need of any advise. You seem to think a request for a call is tantamount to an offer and when one wasn't forthcoming you decided to come here and suggest this is unethical and caused you hardship. You made the decision to inform other agents. That's on you, not Diego.

This business is full of almosts and disappointment. Submission might not get your book sold. Editors make you wait. Are you going to behave like this every time you don't get what you want? I am refraining from further comment.

I would advise you not arguing with authors on query tracker. This isn’t Facebook.

You’re demonstrating exactly why people need to stay far away.

@Nicklx92666. I would advise not informing agents until you have an offer in hand. But, that's your choice. You apparently informed other agents you had an agent request a call. Agents know this doesn't necessarily mean an offer is coming, so those agents shouldn't be surprised when you tell them the call did not result in an offer. Again. A call is not a guaranteed offer.

Also ..an agent is not required to give more than the standard two weeks after an offer. If you request more days for another agent to read the manuscript, the agent is not required to give it to you. In fact, you're basically telling the agent you are using them to shake out better offers. He can refuse to give more time for other agents to read.

I am seeing a massive pile up here on this thread and the complaints are not altogether fair.


The other complaint I read had something to do with a contract negotiation. Not knowing the specifics I can't make a judgement there.


Best of wishes to everyone.