You sent ten queries. You cannot remember which ten. You sent the same one to one agent twice.
The misdiagnosisThe misdiagnosis is that you'll remember.
The real diagnosisYou will not. The tracker is mechanical relief. Seven columns. Updated weekly. Saves you from accidental doubles and the spiral of 'wait, did I follow up.'
The Seven Columns
| Column | Tracks | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Date sent | When | 2026-06-12 |
| Recipient | Who | Agent + agency |
| Project | Which book | Title |
| Personalization | One line | 'Comp to X' |
| Status | Now | Sent / Form rejection / Full request / Pass / Offer |
| Response date | When they replied | Date |
| Follow-up date | Next nudge | Sent + 12 weeks |
Three Tracker Rules
- Update on Friday afternoons only.
- Do not stare at it daily.
- Build a separate sheet for fulls.
The tracker is for your sanity, not your performance.
Set a Friday calendar reminder. Update. Close.
The dare (not assignment)Open a spreadsheet today. Seven columns. Backfill what you remember. Going forward, update Fridays only.
Image promptA clean spreadsheet on a screen with neat color-coded rows. Painterly. Cream and pink. No people.
— The Book Maven
