tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post2723982964578413007..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: A BookEnds RejectionBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-24075014838094963872010-10-11T14:52:29.000-04:002010-10-11T14:52:29.000-04:00I know I'm very late to this party, so it'...I know I'm very late to this party, so it's unlikely that anyone will read this comment, but I thought I'd chip in.<br /><br />Honestly, as soon as I can tell that a form rejection is just that, I stop reading. I don't think it matters what you say. When an author is gathering in rejection letter forty-three, the language doesn't matter all that much.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04597946424756487838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-60313492572245233062010-10-06T10:41:44.053-04:002010-10-06T10:41:44.053-04:00Thanks for dropping the "intriguing" par...Thanks for dropping the "intriguing" part. I received your form rejection some time ago and that one word made me think you'd personalized your response. I'm all for hope -- but it's okay to give us the straight story.Durango Writerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14854000354374970070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-68235467602968681072010-09-30T12:33:40.992-04:002010-09-30T12:33:40.992-04:00My own form rejection was similar although probabl...My own form rejection was similar although probably slightly less encouraging. I added the last line and found that it really helped cut back on responses to my form rejection:<br /><br />"Thank you for your query. I'm afraid that your book isn't right for me at this time and I'm going to pass. Please keep in mind, however, that the publishing business is a subjective one and this is only one agent's opinion. There may very well be another agent out there for whom your work would be a better fit. Due to the sheer volume of queries I receive on a daily basis, I regret that I am unable to give you a personalized reply or offer any additional feedback on your query."<br /><br />I did, however, get two insanely angry letters back complaining about the lack of personalization.<br /><br />I think your letter is fine.=)<br /><br />ColleenThe Swivethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685468276187421753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-61004531134531046962010-09-30T10:21:31.862-04:002010-09-30T10:21:31.862-04:00"but it feels so generic and so hopeless.&quo..."but it feels so generic and so hopeless."<br /><br />That's because it *is* generic. You don't get much more generic than a form letter*, no matter how it's worded. <br /><br />(But any hopelessness is in the fact that's it's a no, not the fact that it's lacking in compliments).<br /><br />"I guess I like the feeling that i'm sending the author away with something to hold on to. something to feel good about and really, what's so wrong about that?"<br /><br />False hope. To be blunt, it's not about how you feel; it's about how your queriers feel. The best thing for them is to come away from your rejection letter with <i>Meh. OK, who's next?</i> Not <i>At least she liked it a little! Maybe if I revise, she'll like it more.</i><br /><br />*Don't get me wrong. I don't consider this a negative. I'm just pointing out that a form letter has to be generic; else it's not form.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-35140626130697697492010-09-30T07:07:43.105-04:002010-09-30T07:07:43.105-04:00ok. here's the deal. it's obvious that eve...ok. here's the deal. it's obvious that everyone thinks I should drop "intriguing" and so I did. but it feels so generic and so hopeless. I guess I like the feeling that i'm sending the author away with something to hold on to. something to feel good about and really, what's so wrong about that? And honestly, I do find most books intriguing. some aren't for me, but there's often something to recommend.<br /><br />Don't worry. I'm not going to put it back in, but I'm struggling with the letter now, struggling with my own need to keep it uplifting and give the author something to crow about because sometimes we need that even if in the end we feel that "she says that to everyone"<br /><br />I'll keep working, tweaking and revising this letter until it feels like me again.<br /><br />Interesting and appreciated comments from all.<br /><br />Thanks and best of luck ;)<br /><br />--jhfBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-89897248599195916232010-09-30T06:50:37.468-04:002010-09-30T06:50:37.468-04:00Thank you for considering [our agency], but we hav...Thank you for considering [our agency], but we have decided to pass on your submission.<br /><br />--<br /><br />Really, not much more to be said...short and to the point, and doesn't raise expectations where they shouldn't be. I always cringe when I see remarks about another agent out there just waiting to accept my submission, because I've been through this enough times to know that just isn't the case.T. M. Hunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04315726033990784930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-30208971605050912042010-09-30T04:54:04.484-04:002010-09-30T04:54:04.484-04:00I like anon 1:02's (the HR person's) rejec...I like anon 1:02's (the HR person's) rejection. Because it doesn't stretch the truth. You don't really know that there is an agent out there for this work (because you haven't seen the full).<br /><br />I agree with everyone who said take out "intriguing." I know you are trying to let the writer down easily, but it's a form rejection so it seems false to me.<br /><br />Honestly, I can see why agents go for "no response means no" at the query stage. I probably would.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-18696369658121598422010-09-30T01:52:42.625-04:002010-09-30T01:52:42.625-04:00I'm just happy to get a reply. A no thanks is...I'm just happy to get a reply. A no thanks is a no thanks whichever way it comes and i completely understand an agents time restrains so just appreciate something saying they've read it but it's not for them. Am very happy with the standard.TamaraKMartinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03700660808291177328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-52936141471179405252010-09-30T01:06:55.015-04:002010-09-30T01:06:55.015-04:00Argh. You'd never have known I was a proofrea...Argh. You'd never have known I was a proofreader in a past life.<br /><br />I really do know how to punctuate, sorry!M. M. Justushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10695486138971352978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-16368339915168676832010-09-30T01:05:48.091-04:002010-09-30T01:05:48.091-04:00Just chiming in to add another vote to the "d...Just chiming in to add another vote to the "drop intriguing" side. Because chances are, it wasn't, and I assume you don't want to send out dozens of lies every day.<br /><br />Also the bit about you being sure there's an agent for the novel out there somewhere. For the same reason.<br /><br />I appreciate form rejections that apologize for being a form right up front, because, honestly? It makes me feel slightly better when it's phrased that way, and I don't have to go on and read the rest of the darned thing [wry g].M. M. Justushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10695486138971352978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-74885706519278470542010-09-29T23:08:45.755-04:002010-09-29T23:08:45.755-04:00I think the fact that you send one is awesome. It&...I think the fact that you send one is awesome. It's amazing how many agents don't. So it leaves the sender to wonder if they ever received the query.<br /><br />Keep up the good work.Tricia Sandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05509141410811113348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-31659449342652603392010-09-29T22:48:19.675-04:002010-09-29T22:48:19.675-04:00Awww. It's fabulous, Jessica.Awww. It's fabulous, Jessica.Spy Scribblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14299551957327543491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-45663074414919125892010-09-29T21:21:27.359-04:002010-09-29T21:21:27.359-04:00I seem to recall having this discussion before... ...I seem to recall having this discussion before... it seems like there was a similar debate over the use of "intriguing." In my own writing, I'd only use "intriguing" to describe something that really intrigued me. "I requested the full manuscript because the idea was intriguing, but passed because I didn't think it was marketable."<br /><br />The end of the note kind of makes me think of something else. Once when I submitted a short story to a literary magazine, I got a photocopied form rejection that was a full page full of gushy apologies for sending a form rejection. "We know you put a lot of hard work into your story, and that no one likes rejection, and it must be horribly painful for you to get this rejection in a form letter, but take heart, because many other literary journals may find value in your work, so don't give up!" That was excessively condescending to me. So this note's nowhere near the same extent, but it does feel a little like it's treating the sensitive little author with kid gloves. Just my perspective.Bija Andrew Wrighthttp://www.zenbija.com/wordpressnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-37656169173678148892010-09-29T21:05:43.202-04:002010-09-29T21:05:43.202-04:00I appreciate that you give form rejections. But I&...I appreciate that you give form rejections. But I'm going to chime in with the masses on changing the "intriguing" bit. Don't give any illusion. <br /><br />I'd even suggest instead of "form rejection," just say "form decline." :)<br /><br />Also, I found this blog very helpful by Ms. Gardner about why it's important for agents NOT to give individuaized form [declines]. <br />http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-oh-why-did-i-get-rejected.html<br /><br />Please keep sending them. It is frustrating to wonder if your query got received. I find it very respectful.<br /><br />Thanks for posting this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-69926991694141128542010-09-29T20:55:13.125-04:002010-09-29T20:55:13.125-04:00Ohhhh, so you mean my query wasn't really intr...Ohhhh, so you mean my query wasn't really intriguing? And I guess next you're going to tell me that there is no Santa...<br /><br />Seriously, I think your kind, thoughtful and encouraging letter is a reflection of the kind of agent/person that you are...a pleasure to work with...but, in the final analysis, I would have to agree with so many of the other commentors who state that you should lose the word "intriguing" unless you really mean it, but, then...if you do mean it, why are you passing on it?<br /><br />In the end, this is a business and the query is a business letter and it is so appreciated when an agent takes the time to respond, rather than just ignore the letter, even if their response is just a form letter.<br /><br />It was really sweet of you to open your letter to all of us this way. thanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-76765952685489443712010-09-29T19:34:01.986-04:002010-09-29T19:34:01.986-04:00I think it's fine. As other comments have note...I think it's fine. As other comments have noted, it's an answer, which is what I'm looking for, even if it's not the answer I want. <br /><br />The freelance editor in me suggests adding a comma between "intriguing" and "I".Missives From Suburbiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01485646154495428913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-82519886598797305012010-09-29T16:45:00.412-04:002010-09-29T16:45:00.412-04:00I like your form letter. It's positive and hon...I like your form letter. It's positive and honest. I'm very impressed you have alternate versions; that's extra work.<br /><br />When Nathan Bransford ran a simulated slush reading contest, I created a form letter, but I put a checklist at the end of it to allow me to indicate common problems, as well as a space to jot down personal comments when I had any.<br /><br />But even that much personalization was more work than I think I would do if I were really an agent. That contest was an eye-opening experience.jjdebenedictishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16950592240599703771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-62990285155183001932010-09-29T16:24:38.763-04:002010-09-29T16:24:38.763-04:00Dear JESSICA,
Although your request for an exampl...Dear JESSICA,<br /><br />Although your request for an example rejection letter was intriguing, I was not sufficiently interested in your project to submit one at this time. <br /><br />I wish you luck in submitting this proposal to more appropriate venues in the future.<br /><br />Onward!<br />Geoff CainGeoff Cainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06997344068009095701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-41022429640318192482010-09-29T15:57:07.159-04:002010-09-29T15:57:07.159-04:00That you "personalize" as many rejection...That you "personalize" as many rejections as you apparently do with multiple "standard" rejections is the surprise to me.<br /><br />Given I'm rejected and not receiving personalized feedback (which I do not expect) a "Not for us" is just as good as a three paragraph vanilla float rejection.<br /><br />The positive check mark for you is that you let me know you have passed, rather than make me guess how long I need to wait to cross you off my list.<br /><br />~ JimJim Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15090252530437277145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-19914677157181629342010-09-29T14:52:12.334-04:002010-09-29T14:52:12.334-04:00Thanks for revealing your rejection letter. Now I ...Thanks for revealing your rejection letter. Now I know that some of those adjectives used to describe my writing were not really for me, they were generic. Bummer!Prettypics123https://www.blogger.com/profile/05002015227586327112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-35421016513438432352010-09-29T13:36:26.181-04:002010-09-29T13:36:26.181-04:00I think I'd try to be clever and come up with ...I think I'd try to be clever and come up with a haiku<br /><br />Thank you for the query<br />Not right for me at this time<br />It is subjective!<br /><br />But people would probably use it for target practice, thinking I was being an A-hole, when I thought I was being funny... <br /><br />I think your rejection is fine: clear and to the point.KatOwens: Insect Collectorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12228171304170449979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-3550638674009172882010-09-29T13:30:53.396-04:002010-09-29T13:30:53.396-04:00I personally think it's a bit verbose. You cou...I personally think it's a bit verbose. You could condense it down to "No, thanks!" or "Not for me." LOL <br /><br />Seriously, this is cool. Wouldn't hurt my feelings to receive it.K.L. Bradyhttp://www.authorklbrady.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-27310284124417219862010-09-29T13:10:24.460-04:002010-09-29T13:10:24.460-04:00Speaking as someone who's received your standa...Speaking as someone who's received your standard rejection (my novel was marginal as far as the subject meeting your preferences, but I thought I'd try anyway) I like it. <br /><br />Which is to say, I like it as much as one can like rejection without being even more odd than most writers are by nature.<br /><br />It didn't try to blow smoke, and it doesn't talk down to the writer - it's a professional response to a professional's inquiry. In the range of rejections I've seen, it's one of the better ones, though I haven't seen but about a dozen so I don't call myself an expert.Susan Shttp://www.susanspann.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-42460343612823889882010-09-29T13:02:42.645-04:002010-09-29T13:02:42.645-04:00Really how good or sufficient your rejection lette...Really how good or sufficient your rejection letter is depends most on your goal with the letter. <br />Rejection or, as I like to call them, Thanks for Playing notices are pretty common in employment (I'm and HR pro by day, glamorous, I know). For the most part, we've probably a few more legal concerns to worry about that you might have. <br />If it were my letter, my goal would be to get to the point, without allowing much room for conjecture. Unfortunately, this tends to result in something of a sterile communication. Some might even call it cold. But it is meets my goal.<br />With that in mind, you might try:<br /><br />Thank you so much for giving BookEnds a chance to consider your work via your query. Publishing is a subjective business. While another agent may be more suited to your work, I wasn’t sufficiently enthusiastic to ask for more at this time.<br /><br />I wish you the best of luck and the greatest success.<br /><br />Most of us know it is a form rejection. Those of us who don't have bigger issues to address.<br /><br />Also, as an aside, saying you're afraid is like apologizing. Both imply you're conflicted about your decision. Don't do that. OWN your rejection. Your opinions, discerning taste, etc. is, afterall, a part of what defines you as an agent. And you happen to be good at it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-57044887554778652992010-09-29T12:27:16.834-04:002010-09-29T12:27:16.834-04:00A few thoughts come to mind.
I do object to the w...A few thoughts come to mind.<br /><br />I do object to the word "intriguing" being used for everyone if it is not true.<br /><br />Any response is better than none. Agencies who have the policy "no reply means no thanks" is just, quite simply, lazy and inexcusable.<br /><br />Maybe with the manuscripts/partials that just don't "grab you" but are written exceptionally well, you could make the effort to let them know this and perhaps encourage them to query with a different project.<br /><br />I, for one, don't want to rush "back to the keyboard" if there is nothing wrong with my ms other than I just didn't hit the right person on the right day.Wendy Tyler Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10841984342368861282noreply@blogger.com