Not an agent but . know that it drives them nuts when in your original query i . e your first contact with them you put in a vague mention the MS being ' considered ' by other unnamed agents . All queries are technically being ' considered ' and most reputable agents expect you to query widely . If you imply that another agent has gone further and asked for the MS be prepared to be caught in a lie if they come back and ask who . Publishing is a small place . Query first then if they ask for the MS , you can mention whether any other agents are reading it . Do not lie . Once you have secured an offer , that ' s when you contact all the agents who have the MS but haven ' t gotten around to read it yet , and let them know they need to read and make their own offer within x days . Usually , knowing you have an actual offer will spur them to give your MS a closer , more immediate examination . Again never lie about this .