In the past week, we received 13 replies to rejections.
5 were kind.
5 were neutral.
3 were, quite simply, rude.
6 were professional.
4 had obvious, objective errors.
1 pitched another book. Not recommended. If you're going to submit another work, it's best to do so separately--otherwise, we will associate your new work with the fact that we just said No to you.
Here's the best:
Thanks so much for your prompt reply and for your advice! I went out and bought the book you recommended.
Best of luck to you too!
Here's one in the middle:
thank you. i'll check them out
Here's one that is not advised. The writer has spliced his comments in with my email:
Him: Not well enough, apparently.
Me: I'm afraid that this is not quite right for us.
Him: It's "not quite right" for 304 other agents either...
304?! Wow. Don't I feel special. I wonder how many got this response.
Also, when an agent takes the time to mention that you write well, it's generally considered, well, kind. I understand the frustration, but will I ever look favorably on another query from this guy? Probably not.
6 comments:
Wow! And you're being kind by sending prompt and personal rejections--even giving compliments! Haven't people ever heard that bit about not burning bridges? And the flies with the vinegar not getting the worm? (Wait...not quite the right aphorism.) I'd like to fall back on publishing being a business and that business correspondence should be polite and professional, but honestly--it's also just common courtesy. Sorry you had to deal with nasty replies.
Dear Agent,
Unfortunately I am overwhelmed with rejections at the momento and cannot take on any new ones.
Please find attached my full manuscript in .bmp format (you do have unlimited Mega MB Byte super-vampire storage, right?) as if you had requested it.
I (reluctantly) accept cashier's checks or money orders but prefer cash for advance and royalty payments, and I expect my agent [that would be you] to work for a courtesy commission of 2.5% plus gratuity if you're extra nice.
(Do the math on a 7-figure, 8 book deal. You won't be sorry.)
Let me know what you love most about the book by tomorrow morning, k?
>:)
Whoops! Glad I learned this all here. :)
I am embarrassed my fellow writing fraternity have little or no manners. One would think you'd at least be treated with common courtesy.
After all, you did not inflict yourself upon them.
A must read post for those, well, bad-tempered wannabes...
I'm sorry to hear that. Actually, it's embarrassing as a writer to hear that. I guess I thought it was less prevalent, especially with kind agents who do give kind responses.
Once again, I wish I'd thought to read your blog before sending out a polite status check to another agent this afternoon. In it, I casually mentioned that I had another ms and asked about the submission policy, considering said agent is currently reviewing my full.
Eeek.
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