|
painfully discriminating . . . I only seem to bend when something truly inspires me . ..” New-ager, we would never have cliqued. I make it a point not to inspire, if at all possible.
“We’re sorry but this isn’t for us.” Direct and to the point - I could like this agent if they weren’t so darn picky.
“While your proposal is not without merit, were forced to give serious consideration to the realities of the publishing market place when deciding which writers to represent. In order to maintain the quality of service our clients deserve, we must regrettably decline to take on some authors from time to time.” This one is so phenomenally insulting I laughed for an hour. In virtually the same breath it says that if they took me on as a writer, the quality of their client list would drop sharply and it says that they rarely refuse to take on new authors but my work was so bad that they had to turn it down.
“We have a very full clientele, and can spare time for only the most impressive of new authors.” See number four. I don’t do impressive or inspiring.
“The Buccaneer is not right for us, at this time. Please think of us for a future project.” I have no idea what this means, but I do know that if I get an agent, I’m not going through this process again.
“Unfortunately, I do not feel enthusiastic enough about this project to be able to pursue it further.” I have noticed a shocking degree of ennui amongst the agency elite. Is anyone else seeing this trend?
“We did review your material and have our own reasons for not being able to represent it however, we do admire your perseverance and energy, and wish you the very best in placing it elsewhere.” I have been known to use the same psychology on my dog. She doesn’t fall for it either.
“Though your proposal was read with interest, I just wasn’t totally captivated by it.” Pan up to my opinion on New-agers. When you read something, do you read it with OUT interest? I have never noticed that before.
“Due to the current status of the publishing industry and the selectivity that the market now demands, we regret that we cannot consider your material at this time.” Re-stated in English, It’s a tough market, your book doesn’t make the cut. Next victim.
“We do not feel that our agency can successfully market your work.” This rejection makes sense. I give them five stars for stating the facts as they see them. Worse stuff has made it to print so it isn’t my book, it’s that the agency can’t market my book. See Journal Entry Five on agents who know where the bodies are buried. This agency doesn’t dig.
“I have reviewed your material and it is not anything I wish to work with at this time.” I see this person holding my synopsis as far from her nose as possible to avoid the smell.
“I feel that this is not a work I can market successfully at this time.” Succinct and to the point another agent I would have enjoyed working with - a crying shame, really.
“We have given careful consideration to your work and regret that we cannot take it on.” Note that this was a fiftieth generation copy of a copy, typed on an old electric typewriter and was crooked. I refuse to feel hurt by a recycled rejection.
“As you undoubtedly know, this is a business based on personal taste and opinion; therefore we encourage you to submit the work to other agents.” What this tells me is that agents don’t like each other much and try to slough off icky work onto the competition.
Six of the submissions came back undeliverable. Agents are on the move, apparently.
|
