Does it matter how an agent says no?
The Not Series will continue tomorrow.
I’m not playing/working/slaving along in Nathan Bransford’s Agent for a Day event, but I did pop by to see what was going on. I read one or two queries out of fifty. But what fascinates me are the comments. Readers are “acting as” agents, sending pretend rejections or asking for pretend partials or fulls.
It’s fascinating!
Not in what is being requested or not, not in the styles of queries and the variety of books being pitched, but in the variety of ways Agents for a Day are wording their rejections. If it’s a form rejection, without personalized feedback, do you think it really matters how an agent says no thank you? I don’t. This isn’t the case if someone is going to take the time to comment on what’s working or what’s not, or if they’re going to say they like it and it’s not right for them. But it seems to me that these readers have gone to a lot of trouble (bless their virtual hearts) to come up with a nice sentence or two that comprises a generic rejection.
Personally, if it’s not going to be a yes or a fabulous no (and we’ve all gotten some fabulous no’s) then I’d rather just have it plain ‘n simple.
Here are some random examples:
- Thank you for your submission, but this is not for me. I wish you luck in finding a home for your manuscript.
- This is one of those letters I loathe to write as an agent, because you have a great hook. Subjectively, however, the material in TITLE REDACTED is not something I feel I could zealously represent as it would deserve. I have no doubt, however, that you will be snatched up quickly, and I truly do wish you the best of luck.
- Thank you for your submission. Your premise sounds interesting and well-developed. Although I’m confident that your search for an agent will be fruitful, I don’t think I’m the best person to represent your work.
- Thank you for your query. Unfortunately, I will have to pass at this time.
- Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately it’s not what I’m looking for. Best of luck in your search for representation, and keep writing!
I will add here that many who are participating are adding a bit of “reasoning” at the end of their comment – why the pitch doesn’t interest them. I’d think that with a real agent the feedback would be taken to heart, but something like “the hook doesn’t get me” isn’t specific enough. I know most standard form rejections offer no insight at all and leave us, the writer, to figure it out, or not, on our own. While I always prefer a personalized rejection that offers insight — I think a short, straight-to-the-point form rejection is preferable to something that rambles on the perils of submissions, suggests continuing to query (duh) and then rejects.
But then again, I’m not playing along.
I’ve had enough rejections of queries and pitches to wallpaper a small country room and a form rejection is just that, a form rejection. It’s always nice when they spell your name right, but other than that, it has no impact other than no, because it offers no information. I’m not saying I want someone to be mean or snarky, but no is no, and a form rejection is just that — a form. It doesn’t matter to me how it’s worded.
Does it matter to you?
I’m with you – if it’s a form rejection, then just get to the point – “no thank you”
I’ve had some personal rejections that confused me, but I was always appreciative of the time it took them to write up something extra.
Kathryn,
I’m with you, obviously. I also prefer a form rejection to hearing nothing at all, unless of course that form comes after a ridiculous amount of time (like 6 months or a year, and it has happened) when I’ve already assumed NO.
Amy
I have to say I couldn’t care less how it’s done, so long as it’s done within a reasonable amount of time. It’s nice to have (constructive) feeback at times, but you’re right, no is no when all’s send and done.
I currently find myself in a rather bizarre (i think!) position. I sent the first three chapters of my novel a week before Christmas to an agent. They asked to see the rest in an extrememly friendly, enthusiastic email. It’s now four months later.
Now, I’m not daft, I’m pretty sure I know what the outcome is, but it seems really odd to me to ask to see someone’s work and then simply not get back to them.
Anyhoo. Nice post!
Iain,
Isn’t that crazy? Yes I agree you’d think a response would be in order. I know it takes agents a long time to get to/read/ponder their fulls. Have you followed up? If not – it surely can’t hurt. Just make sure to “reply” to their last email so they see the trail, the subject matter etc., it might help with their memory if it’s been sitting around.
Keep us posted.
Amy
I agree . . . just keep it plain and simple unless a fabulous no. Also, I have a couple of pals who are agents. They have said they use form rejections and do less “fabulous no’s” because oftentimes, writers will email them back and ARGUE with them (i.e., “But that was the point of that plot twist,” or “But I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that the plot twist works.”). It’s just not worth it.
E
Erica,
I’ve read about those fightin’ writers! I can see how that would deter agents from giving extensive feedback simply to be kind and helpful. Too bad, because some writers would benefit and simply say “thanks.”
Amy
I haven’t read the fake queries yet, but it’s on my list for this week. I’m curious to see what the commenters say, so thank you for the advance screening.
I’ve received a total of three rejections so far — all on short stories — and one said it was well written, which was nice. The others were just “not for us” which again, I didn’t mind. I’d rather they just cut to the chase. Now, when it comes to my novel, I may not be so easy-going.
Melanie,
I’m curious what you think of the contest entries and comments, so let me know.
I look at rejections as stepping stones to acceptance…so I’d rather they be short if they’re not going to be helpful.
Amy
Amy, I agree, simple and to the point is best. I care more about how quickly they respond rather than how they say no. Now, my day sucks. I queried and let me tell ya, it went so very wrong. I posted if you’re interested.
I am heading over to your blog now, Val. You’ve piqued my interest but I’m holding my breath!
:-X
I know what you mean, I rejection is a rejection. I’m excited to find out what’s been going on over on Nathan’s blog too! I just found out through another blog. Jenni
Amy, I read through all of them last night and I completely understand the need for a form rejection. I also see how they can decide without even finishing a query whether or not it’s something worth pursuing. So many were just boring that when one with an awesome voice strolled along, I wanted to pounce! I get it now.