Anyone who has worked writing or within book publishing industry-this is Only book publishing industry (non fiction adult, not kids books) since all industries are so different-like garment manufacturing doesn't even close down Christmas day-you know what I mean-this is specific to book publishing:
Is there an unspoken insiders "shut off period" in the calendar year where it is not wise to send query letters or proposals for books due to people's vacations etc? For example, if an unknown author was going to send out query letters for proposals to agents and editors, would it be wise to wait until the new year vs sending such things during late Nov, December? Or does it not matter?
That's a great question. I'd say just send it when you feel it is right, er "write." Just make sure it's certified mail so you know they got it. Maybe send it now and then follow up after the New Year?
As someone who is an editor in e-publishing and is also a writer and belongs to national writers associations, I do know that the editors at the NYC publishing houses get busy--extremely busy--during the summer months, as that is when most of them not only are attending writers workshops (giving editor appts), but it's also vacation time. As someone who works as an editor, from Thanksgiving until after the New Year can also be a busy and hectic time.
You can send queries practically whenever you want, though, as almost all editors take queries by e-mail now. Unless they specifically state they don't do unsolicited mail (i.e., only from agents). Your e-mail might take longer to get a reply during a "busy" time, but you will eventually hear back.
A lot of agents take queries via email. A great place to start is Query Tracker. Some agents only take queries for certain periods. Your best bet is to research the agent a little to see what they are doing.
Query Tracker has a list of agents, plus a link to their websites (usually). So you can check and see if they are accepting queries. I wouldn't wait if you are ready to start sending stuff off....I really don't think it will hurt your chances any. It might take longer for them to get back to than normal though. I just received a response back from an agent I sent something too like three months ago, and it was via email.
