How Many Query Letters Should I Send at Once?

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One of many mistakes I made when I began querying agents was the idea that more is better, specifically in reference to querying multiple agents at one time. I do not agree with this concept. I have read many recommendations on the Web that by sending out 50 or more query submissions at once, an author has a better chance of getting an agent request to see more material. This concept is widely used in the direct sales industry, which makes perfect sense. If you are selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door, you are more likely to sell one if you visit 50 homes than if you only visit five. There are a few problems with using this concept for query submissions.
 

·         Your query letter lacks appeal: If you are new to querying, you need to do a test drive with your letter. I looked at many query letter samples and revised my letter multiple times before I finally got an agent’s attention. Start by submitting to four to six agents, if you get a request for more material, you know you’re doing something right. If not, you may need to revamp your letter before sending again.

·         You’re depleting your resources too quickly: If you send to 50 or more literary agents at once, depending on your form of lit and genre, you have most likely expired your list of first and secondary agent picks. If anything, you’re left with agents or agencies that are either irrelevant or not credible. If you’ve written the perfect query letter (remember: beauty is in the eye of the beholder) you have nothing to worry about, but if not, you might have just ruined your chance with those agents.

·         Your query letter doesn’t conform to the agent’s guidelines: Although, there is a standard set of information widely expected to be present in a query letter, many agents will give a list of information they are interested in seeing. If you’ve submitted to 50 or more agents in a short period, most likely you have not took the time to carefully read the agent’s guidelines, nor learn much more than their name. Like everyone else, agents want to feel special. They want to know that you took the time to learn a little about them, and were thoughtful enough to send a query that aligns with their guidelines and/or suggestions.
 

What are your thoughts on this subject? Have you ever queried a large number of agents at once? What kind of response did you get?