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HI I thought it might be fun to share some of the worst/funniest/saddest rejections we've all received over the months/years/decades...mainly coz it's too hot to write today.
I've just been sorting through and cleaning up my files from my last book which thankfully did get published - I noticed that the nicest rejections (is there such a thing?) came from publishers and the rude/short/weird ones from agents:
3 examples - bearing in mind I followed their submission procedures perfectly, submitting synopsis/sample chapters/covering letter/email - In return this was ALL they said in emails back to me, no acknowlegement, no dear etc etc - nothing just what I've typed below:-
1. Nearly but no banana
Which was quite nice but made me want to change my name to bubbles.
2. Nope
Which wasn't nice at all.
3. Oh dear.
The last one was probably the worst and almost made me want to give up. Something that I'd spent SO long working on could illicit such a reaction from anyone, let alone a literary agent was really disheartening. That's when you need a really thick skin!
Comments
Other than that they've all been fairly polite. Some are form letters addressed to 'dear writer' or whatever, but that's understandable with markets which get hundreds of subs a week.
Your No 3 is just horrible.
I think it does get better. I think you grow a skin layer and begin to stop thinking about it and just get on with other stuff.
Maybe poetry is easier as you do get instances in between where you do get a poem bought, so you know you are't completely off the ball or useless.
HA, 'too much information'? What a strange thing to say!
I like to have lots of work out. That means that even as I read a rejection I know the next post or email could bring better news. Of course that's harder to do if you write books.
I had told them the next one was a sequel. Duh!
The friend I mention in other posts thinks it is good to tell them his book is a series of 6, last thing they want to hear.
The one I referred to earlier in this thread was extremely specific as to genre, typeface and line-spacing - and that was only in a submission!
She wouldn't have been at all interested in my thriller or my fantasy series.
It was hand written in red biro on an A3 card and read: 'Alas, neither of these is right for us. I'm so sorry.
How genteel is that?
Give it another go.
I was plann ing to subscribe once we'd got back to England. I hope they;ve still got their totally evil crossword.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/the-oldie-columnist-john-sweeney-quits-following-resignationof-editor-richard-ingrams-9503945.html
While we greatly appreciate your interest in our agency and thank you for your query, I’m afraid we’re going to pass on requesting your work. Sorry. With room for two or three new clients on my list right now, I have to limit my submission requests to those that feel most likely a match in genre, content, and tone.
Although I’m passing on your project, I hope the next agent will respond enthusiastically.
Wishing you the best of luck, success, and all good things the rest the year.
Sorche Elizabeth Fairbank
Fairbank Literary Representation
still i don't understand what she is trying to aquanted me... can anyone please give an explanation about this.
Thank you for your query. While your project sounds interesting, Kevan does not feel it is right for her list at this time. We appreciate your email and wish you luck finding an agent who can successfully champion your work.
All best,
Patricia
Patricia Nelson
Assistant to Kevan Lyon
Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
this one totalyl... what to say...
please explain one this also.
They are both standard rejection letters, polite, but saying no.
Your work was not right for either agent. They can only take on a few new writers and so are looking for the best match. They wish you luck in trying elsewhere with another agent.
Can I ask, is English your second language? This might make it more difficult for you to find representation.
They (usually) don't give any detailed feedback. They will send that same letter to everyone.
"Thanks for sharing this with me. I'm afraid that, while there is much I admire about your work, it doesn't feel the right fit for me. I'd certainly recommend you continue to explore other options, and wish you all the very best with your writing from here."
http://www.make-money-writing.info/get-your-book-published/
Mark offers an appraisal service.
"...(I have hundred of contacts in the publishing business..."
He may wish to revisit that sentence on his website.
I now see why you emailed me - as the above wise heads have said they are just standard rejection letters - polite ones to be sure - but they are not interested. Most of us collect enough of these over the years to fill several dustbins to the brim...Well I have anyway...
I don't know if you're going to return to talkback, but I think you've misunderstood the purpose of this forum.
Anyway, I would say to you, as kindly as possible: your posts indicate a poor level of written English and if your novel is written to that standard you're going to struggle.
This is not to say you aren't a good writer with a brilliant novel - but you should consider writing it in your mother tongue and looking for a publisher in your home country instead. If your book is good enough, it might then get translated into other languages via your publisher at no cost to you.
Good luck with your endeavours.
PS: I haven't a chance because I can't do text speech.
In today's email inbox
(
I could say all the things about them liking your writing, at least you finished and subbed it which is an achievement, etc etc and it would all be true, but for today I think a big old hug is the best thing. (((Lizy))).
It can be a heart-breaking game, this writing thing.