Dandelion Break Celebrating rejections ;-)

[Sarit]

So I thought I'd share with you this wonderful rejection I received this morning from an agent. This is completely mind boggling to me coming from the screenwriting world where screenwriters are ghosted, ignored or worst threatened with legal action for querying...

Dear Sarit,
I'm so sorry it took me so long to get back to you! I know there is so much waiting in this industry, and I'm sorry to be a part of that. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and for thinking of me for your work.

As you know, for agents, it's almost a matter of falling in love--there's a mysterious aspect to the process that's difficult to describe. Though I can see a lot of good qualities here, and enjoyed reading, I'm afraid I'm not having that "Yes, this is for me!" feeling--something necessary to do well by a work and its author. So, for that reason, I'm going to bow out. I hope you find someone who feels this way, and soon, and you find your perfect fit.

My apologies if you've already found a home--I know some time has passed. Please know I'm wishing you the best, and hope to see your work on bookstore shelves soon.

All best,
≈≈≈

 

[E G Logan]

I have to tell you that, from my experience, in the world of submissions/queries to UK and US literary agents, this kind of thing is Very Unusual.

It's infuriating, isn't it? The writer seems like the kind of person a would-be author would really love as an agent. This is a so much more thoughtful way of saying the more commonly received: 'I did like it; I just didn't like it enough.'

However, think about this. Maybe the person who takes a long time to respond, who writes beautiful, emotive, personal emails, might not actually be the focused, razor-sharp, businesslike – 'No, sorry. Not for us' – agent that you actually need...?

 

[Pamela Jo]

Tramp Press only publishes two books a year so it was not a total surprise, but this was a recent rejection that felt like at least a two cheek kiss if not a hug.

Dear Pamela,

Thank you once more for thinking of Tramp Press for your manuscript.

We have now perused your work and I'm so sorry to say we won't be making an offer. You're obviously a very talented writer; while we recognise your abilities, we unfortunately don't feel that Tramp would be best-placed to bring the work to market.

We are always sorry to give a disappointing answer. May we sincerely wish you the best of luck in following up other avenues to publication.

(You may find this link useful in seeking out other publishers. I'd also recommend the agency database at http://www.litrejections.com/agency-database/ – I definitely think there'd be good agents out there interested in what you're doing. In terms of Irish publishers, you might consider querying Penguin Ireland (now called Sandycove Press), Hachette or Banshee Press.)

With best wishes,

Tramp Press

 

[Sarit]

I have to tell you that, from my experience, in the world of submissions/queries to UK and US literary agents, this kind of thing is Very Unusual.

It's infuriating, isn't it? The writer seems like the kind of person a would-be author would really love as an agent. This is a so much more thoughtful way of saying the more commonly received: 'I did like it; I just didn't like it enough.'

However, think about this. Maybe the person who takes a long time to respond, who writes beautiful, emotive, personal emails, might not actually be the focused, razor-sharp, businesslike – 'No, sorry. Not for us' – agent that you actually need...?

TBH I have no idea what I need as it's the first time I'm needing it...