Tag: rejection

My Second Query Rejection

I received my second query letter rejection from the agent I wrote to just a month ago.

As with the first rejection, this one was not rote and impersonal. I appreciate that. Though the book was not the right fit for her, she implored that I not get discouraged. I will not.

I think for many of us querying agents, it would be useful if feedback in the rejection letter including something like what is one specific thing the writer can do to improve an element of the submission.

Do you have any rejection stories to share?

My First Query Rejection

Yesterday, I received my first query letter rejection (my only query thus far) from the agent I wrote to at the end of last year. Given that I thought I might not hear back at all (I’ve heard that agents are dealing with so many queries that some agents, unprofessional agents in my opinion, do not ever respond), I was gratified to find the agent’s email in my inbox.

Though I am disappointed with the agent’s decision not to go forward, I thought the agent’s response was kind, personal, encouraging, and helpful. This was not a brief formal blow-off. Rather it opened warmly and went to the strong points of my submission before informing me as to why the agent had to pass on it.

A green light from this agent would have continued a remarkable trajectory since last October, but alas, it is not to be.

Undaunted, I will find others to query while refining the work as well as start the second book.

Do you have any rejection stories to share?