Giving agents a nudge

[Dontwaketheneighbours]

Hi everyone. Sent out my ms approx 10 weeks ago to a number of agents, most with response times of 6-8 weeks. Is it worth giving them a nudge, and if so what is the most polite way of going about it as I know they're all busy? Or should I just move on and accept it's a no?
Thanks

Don't nudge after 10 weeks, if you want to follow up you need to wait until about 16 weeks.

Thanks Fenella

I would definitely nudge after ten weeks. Just forward a copy of your original email and say something like, "Hi, sorry to bother you. I sent you a manuscript called X on Y and I wondered whether you have had time to read it."

They usually act pretty quickly when they're nudged. Just double check as some agents (I think Eve White is one) say that if you don't hear in 3 weeks the answer is no.

I have to disagree - I worked at several of the big literary agents. We wade through the pile as quickly as we can. We get to your manuscript when it reaches the top of the pile. Nudging makes no difference.

Thanks My and Fenella