This query is part of the Be an Agent for a Day contest. Rules and Regulations here
Please post your rejection or manuscript request in the comment section!
Dear Agent for a Day:
I am seeking an open-minded literary agent that is looking for fresh, new material.
I am an unpublished author that has written numerous books - all that are different from anything that you have read or that is on the market. My genres include humor - a romance, short-stories, & science fiction; and a children's book.
I am currently working on a mystery novel that is completely different from any mystery on the market.
Writing is my passion and I have been doing it for four years.
Should you require additional information, please call me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Author
STATS: 1% request rate
Monday, April 13, 2009
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373 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 373 Newer› Newest»Dear Author,
Thank you for your letter. I'm afraid I'll have to pass at this time.
Best of luck,
hannah
Dear Author:
I must pass on this query at this time. Please read our submission requirements before sending any additional information.
Thank you:
Agent
verify word: berst (what will invariably happen to this writer's bubble)
pass with comments.
Please see my reading guidelines. You must query with one specific novel.
Instant rejection. Doesn't know difference between "who" and "that," and oh, by the way, has he/she even written a book at all? If so, there is no evidence of that here.
Agent99
Thank you for your query. I'm afraid this isn't right for me.
Best,
Brian
Dear Author,
Thanks for submitting your story, but it's not for me. Best of luck,
Bane
(reasoning: info needed)
Dear Author:
Please refer to our submission guidelines and query when you have a particular novel in mind to pitch.
Regards,
PC
Thanks for your query. Unfortunately your project didn’t resonate with me, so I’ll have to pass on it.
With my very best regards,
Matilda McCloud
“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”
--F. Scott Fitzgerald
Form rejection.
I'm sorry but this query is all about the author and nothing about the book - if it exists.
Dear Author:
I am going to decline the opportunity to represent your work, but I appreciate your submission.
Sincerely,
David
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query, but this doesn't fit with what I am looking for.
Best of luck,
Kitti
Dear Author,
Thank you for submitting your query. Please review my submission guidelines for future reference.
Regards,
Lindsey S.
OMG! Hubris and ego! States the obviously true - "I'm an unpublished author" and the obviously untrue - how great their book is.
Reject!
Form rejection.
This is not a query. The lack of understanding how this business works is daunting.
Dear Author,
Please read our submission guidelines and take time to update yourself on the publishing industry.
Thank you for submitting your query. Unfortunately, it is not what I’m looking for at this time. However, do continue to query widely. After all, it does only take one agent to say yes!
All the best,
Agent for the day
Dear Author,
Sorry but this is too vague. I'll pass on this one.
Agent For A Day.
Dear Author:
Thank you for your submission, but your book is not appropriate for my current needs. I wish you luck in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Tally
Unfortunately the publishing world works on genres and until you are able to shape your novels under a particular classification, I would not be able to sell your work.
Dear Author,
thank you for submitting but it's not right for me.
Sincerely,
Cat
form rejection because there is absolutely nothing there to represent. The author isn't consistent in genre, (s)he hasn't got a clue about markets, agents or anything else related to writing. This spells absolute beginner.
Sorry, but no thanks.
Thank you for taking the time to query me, but I'm afraid I must pass on your story. Best of luck in your continued endeavors.
(Reason: story?)
Form rejection:
Why? No query! This letter should be selling a particular project, not be a short bio of the writer.
Dear Mystery Writer,
Thank you for your interest in me and good luck with your novel. When you have finished your earthshaking masterpiece, re-query me.
Best Regards,
Trix
Dear Author,
I cannot consider representing an unpublished author without a complete manuscript. Feel free to re-query with a specific, completed book.
Best,
Barbara
Dear Author:
Thank you for your query and I apologize for this form reply.
I regret I have to pass on many interesting projects due to time constraints. I wish you the best of luck in securing representation elsewhere.
Sincerely,
DeadlyAccurate
Author-
Sorry, but I can't pursue anything without specifics on your works. I do, however, judge each work on a case-by-case basis, so if you'd please send a query for each completed work that is ready for representation, I'd be happy to review them.
If you have not already, you may want to check out AgentQuery. It can help you find an Agent who best suits your needs.
http://www.agentquery.com/
Sincerely,
Rick O
form reject.
Dear Author,
Thank you for taking the time to submit.
I regret to inform you that at this time I would like to pass on your book.
I prefer to handle projects that are already completed; furthermore it can confuse readers if authors write in different genres. I am looking for authors who can build up a solid readership in one genre.
Best of luck in the future,
Regards,
Agent for a Day, Bookworm Megs
Dear Author,
Thanks for thinking of me but I'm afraid I have to pass.
Good luck,
Scott
(reason): the obvious.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query letter.
Unfortunately, your work is not a good fit for me. Please review submission guidelines before querying agents.
Good luck!
-Lesley
p.s. Query letters should be in regard to one particular novel.
Dear Author,
Sorry, but not for me.
J.M. Agent
Dear Author:
Many thanks for your query. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to pass on this.
I wish you all the best, however, in your search for representation.
Onovello
Dear Author,
Please refer to my submission guidelines. I do not offer representation to unfinished manuscripts.
Best,
Dara
Specifics: Finished manuscripts people! :P
Dear Author:
Thank you for your query. I'm afraid I have to pass.
Lisa R
Okay, so before I started querying agents I did a lot of research as to what NOT to do and this letter does almost ALL of those things. The project is unfinished. It doesn't describe any project. There's no book and no hook. Too broad and too vague.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. I'm sorry to inform you that I am unable to offer you representation at this time. Good luck in your search.
Sincerely,
Chuck
No response to this one.
Dear Author of Quite a Few Books, Apparently,
Although your work shows merit, I cannot request further materials at this time. Keep in mind that this business is terribly subjective, and you'll probably get the chance to thumb your nose at me in the future.
Love,
Sophie
Thank you for submitting, but unfortunately I didn’t connect with this story idea.
Good Luck,
Keri
<><><><><>
Where's the info on the book? That should have been sent instead of this marketing of yourself.
Author,
Thank you for submitting your query. Unfortunately, it is not right for me at this time.
Agent Erin
Dear Author,
I'm afraid I am unable to request a partial or full manuscript based on the lack of information you have provided.
Thank you,
Karen
Dear Author,
Am I to intuit that You, YOURSELF, are the reason that I MUST accept your unnamed, unreferenced story?
If that is the case, I need a picture, and you had better look the offspring of George Clooney and both Jonathan and Sandhurst from Make Me A Supermodel. If you don't have abs of steel, then please, kindly stop littering my in-box with your resume. I am not hiring -- unless you do both floors and windows.
Form rejection off the opening line. It closed my mind like a stuck shutter.
Dear Author,
Thank you for contacting me. Unless you have a novel ready to send out and query me, I'm afraid you are wasting my time.
Please check my agency's submission guidelines.
Thank you.
-S
Muckraker:
Thanks, but not for me. All best, Big Hearted Agent
reason: Really, is this for real?
Dear Author,
Thank you for your recent query. Without a specific, completed piece in mind, I'm afraid I cannot request your work at this time. Please check the agency guidelines at www.mywebsite.com for future queries.
Sincerely,
Agent X
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission, but I will have to pass at this time.
Best of luck,
JSB
(There isn't a pitch here.)
Dear Author,
I was not even informed of what your story is about. That is simply not enough information for me.
Best wishes,
Melina
Dear Author,
thank you for your interest but I'm afraid I'm going to pass this time.
Sincerely,
David de Beer
Don't look forward too hard. Next time let the work speak. You, not so much.
Form rejection.
AgentMan
Thank you for your submission, but we feel there is not enough information in your query letter to determine whether this project is right us or not. So for now we will have to pass. Feel free to revamp and resubmit your query at any time.
No mention of any story whatsoever. The blandest form rejection I have.
rejection.
Dear Author,
I'm writing to you for the sake of writing to you. I'm currently working on a cup of coffee. I thought you might be interested in that.
7-iron.
Dear Writer,
Whoops, closed minded.
stop.
on. this. project.
tsk tsk
Seriously.
Lucy Ammunition
Fictitious Agent
(Please note: this response did not get sent. I deleted it.)
Dear Author,
Thank you for your interest in The Authors’ Write Literary Agency. I have reviewed your query I do not feel that I am the best agent to represent your work at this time.
Regards,
Daley Agent for a Day
form r
Dear (your name),
I need to see a query - describing only one of your books and your background in writing (publications and such) - before making any decisions. You can find a fat load of info on how to write a query by searching 'write a query' on Google.
Best of luck,
Steph
Dear Author:
I'm sorry, and I'd say this project isn't right for me, but you didn't tell me anything about your project, so there's nothing to request more of.
Notes: Saying "different from anything you've ever read before" assumes far too much about what the agent has read and tells nothing about your work.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your recent query; discovering new talent is one of the joys of being a literary agent, and I am always honoured to have the opportunity to read a writer's best work.
Please accept my regrets, however, as I won't be offering to represent this novel. I apologize for informing you of this using a form letter, but the volume of mail I receive makes it impractical for me to give personalized rejections.
I wish you the very best luck in finding a literary agent whose enthusiasm will bring your book the success it deserves!
Sincerely,
J. J. DeGoblin
~~~~~~~
For your reference, here are the most common reasons why I decline certain queries. Please note that if your submission was very good, my reasons for rejecting it were probably much subtler than the items on this list and cannot be put quickly into words. Again, I apologize for this form letter, but I cannot invest the time to critique those submissions I have chosen to not represent. Thank you for your understanding.
Most common reasons why I decline manuscripts:
[ ]--The manuscript is in a genre which I don't represent
[ ]--The query appears to be a non-personalized mass mailing
[ X ]--The query/manuscript's presentation was worryingly unpolished
(E.g. Many spelling, grammar, punctuation or homophone errors; a non-standard format)
[ ]--The writing doesn't seem polished enough
(This improves with practice; your next novel may be excellent)
[ ]--The plot doesn't sound compelling enough
(Again, this improves with practice and self-education)
[ ]--The plot sounds too similar to something book-buyers have already seen
Comments, if any:
You have a non-standard format for your query letter, and this will turn off most literary agents.
Thank you for requesting my representation. I applaud your determination and effort in completing your novel. Your story is not right for me at this time; however I encourage you to keep writing and pursuing excellence in your craft.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
Warm Regards, KDrausin
Thank you so much for your submission. Unfortunately, I don't feel I'm the right agent to represent your work.
Good luck and keep writing!
I wouldn't even bother to respond to a query this vague.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your letter; unfortunately, I am unable to offer representation. Please see our submission guidelines and study the market before submitting queries.
Sincerely,
Agent for a Day
[Colossally irritating waste of time - is this an actual query?]
Dear Author,
Though your work is promising, the writing just isn't appealing to me, I'm afraid I will have to pass.
Regards,
JuJu
(very nice, plant a fake one here and there - throw us off our tracks)
Dear Author,
I must pass at this time, but please feel free to contact me when you have finished the actual novel.
Best of luck,
Laurie
Dear Author,
Thank your for your query. Unfortunately, I don't think your project sounds right for me.
Sincerely,
Agent K.D.
Notes: This is so not a query that I can't even give my standard form letter. There are so many things wrong with this query that you're just going to get a form rejection. Author, if you're reading this -- please go to www.absolutewrite.com and the Query Letter section of Share Your Work. You need to do a lot of reading about the industry and querying.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission. What is this story about? How is this mystery novel different from any other? Always review submission guidelines and do some research before sending out a query. I will have to pass at this time.
Sincerely,
emc
thank you for your query but I'm afraid I will not be offering representation. I wish you the best in the future and suggest that your next query letter be refined to focus in on one novel, describing the plot and the hook.
best wishes,
KC in SF
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission. I am afraid I must pass on this query. There is no story here to interest me.
Good luck in your search for an agent.
Quixotic
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission.
We are not interested in your novel at this time.
In order to consider your future work, please consider including information specific to your novel. Our submission guidelines can be found on our website.
Best of luck,
Flemmily
Dear Author
Thank you for your query. Your proposal is interesting, but I don't feel that the project is quite right for me. I wish you the best of luck in finding representation elsewhere.
Best,
Cat.
Form rejection
Agent for a day Myra
Dear Aspiring Author,
Thank you for your query. I sincerely your interest; however, I’m afraid your areas of interest do not meet my needs at this time.
Best of luck in your publishing endeavors,
Jeni
This is not a query. If you would like a response, give me specifics and focus on one novel.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. Please see our submission guidelines, then feel free to requery.
Best,
Meg Spencer
Dear Author,
Ooo, sorry. I'm not that open-minded.
Signed,
PPP
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. I'm afraid this project isn't right for me. I wish you luck in your search for representation.
Regards,
Suki
Reasoning: Warning bells went off for me. I am not sure if the author is just inexperienced at what is expected in a query or has unreasonable expectations, but with no clear character/plot summary there really isn't anything for me to get hooked on and want to read more of. I encourage the author to do some research into queries, to see that the opinions regarding his/her work are actually hurting the effectiveness of the query, as are the promises that the work doesn't easily fit a genre (as it would make me more wary, not more interested). The project might be exceptional, but there is no way to tell from the query as drafted.
Please resubmit your query when the work has been finished. My rule is only to ask for chapters when the book is complete.
Unfortunately, I am not able to consider any query until the manuscript itself is completed. Please see the FAQ page of my site for more information on query guidelines.
Reasons: I got no info from this. First off, it sounds like the work is not completed. Especially from a first time author, this is problematic. Asking for an 'open minded' agent turned me off, as did the claim that everything they've ever written (all unpublished) is totally unique and unlike anything I've seen. Finally, there was nothing at all about the book here, other than the fact that it's a mystery. No plot, no synopsis, not even a character name. For all I know, the author hasn't even put word one down on the page.
Okay, Nathan, you shamed me into replying to this person:
Dear Author,
Thank you very much for contacting me about your work. Unfortunately, I can only respond to queries about specific projects, to see if an individual one meets my needs and/or interests.
If you have a project in mind that you would like me to consider, please do send it to me.
Best wishes and keep writing,
Thank you for sending me your query. Unfortunately, this project is not right for me. I wish you the best of luck in securing representation elsewhere.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. I'm afraid this isn't right for me.
Best regards,
Agent for a day
Dear Author,
Thank you very much for your query. While I appreciate the time and effort you've put into your work, I don't believe this is a good fit for me.
Please remember that what doesn't fit one agent may well fit another! I encourage you to not give up. In the future, if you have other manuscripts to query, I hope that you'll think of me again.
Sincerely,
Agent Gryph
Dear Author,
Thank you for your letter, however, I respectfully ask that you query me with a single, polished piece.
Selestial
Are they querying their entire collection? I'm confused. Open-minded, but confused.
Dear Author:
Thank you for your interest in the "Be An Agent For a Day" contest. I'm afraid your query needs to follow a certain structure. First: Tell me about your plot/characters. 1. use present tense to write your plot paragraph. 2. Attempt to use text from your story that displays your skill as a fiction author. 3. Show tension, arc, resolution and conclusion and if at all possible, how your main character changes throughout the book. 4. Only use the story's major characters. Second: Tell me about your marketability. At this stage, I don't believe that you've read everything on the market or that your books are different from them. You'll need to show me that difference in your first paragraph. Also, don't waste time in a query restating things.
I wish you all the best.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission. Please read an agents requirements before submitting further.
-- I don't know if this is one that's supposed to be a 'joke' query.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. Unfortunately, this does not fit my list at this time.
Best Wishes,
Belinda
Dear Author,
Thank you for sending me your query, but I don't think I'm the right agent for the book. Best of luck.
Melissa
Reasoning: Of course not. I know nothing. Plus, the writer referred to me as "that." I'm definitely a "who."
Dear Author:
Please review our submission guidelines and query when you have a specific novel you would like us to consider.
Best of luck to you.
Dear Author,
Thanks for thinking of me. Once you finish your novel, I'd be happy to hear from you again with specifics on your completed project.
All the best,
Agent for a Day
(Tamara)
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. Unfortunately, I am going to have to pass. I would recommend changing your query to market one specific manuscript and give more details of the story.
Best of luck!
JR
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. Unfortunately, your letter did not include enough information about your manuscript. Please see the query requirements on my website, www.agentforaday.com, and feel free to query me again.
Regards,
Jenn S.
(Reason: This isn't a rejection of the book; it's a comment on the letter. I can't reject or request novel at the moment because I don't know what the book is about. The onus must be on the author to re-query and give me plot/character details, because as a busy Agent-for-a-Day I have responsibilities to my current clients.
I suspect this may be a fake query, but if it is not, may I offer some advice to the writer? As an agent, I don't need to hear that you're unpublished, and I don't need to hear how many unpublished works you've written. What I need is to hear about one book. An agent's time is limited, so hook me in the first paragraph by talking about your story. Who's the protagonist? What's the mystery?)
Dear author,
Unfortunately, I will not be able to offer you representation at this time. Please review our query guidelines.
Thank you,
Nicole
Dear Author:
Your work doesn't sound right for me at this time. Please review my submission requirements before sending more work.
Regards,
Agent Caroline
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query, but this isn't right for me at this time.
Best of luck,
Agent for a Day
Sorry, no. From the sound of your letter, you are still working on the novel, and I don't represent unfinished novels.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. However I am unable to request work since you didn't actually query me about one. I would encourage you to go to my website and read the information about querying, then query me about one of your works.
Sincerely,
Bridge
Dear Author:
Thank you for your time and consideration. Unfortunately, I’m afraid I’m not the right agent to represent you.
Some words of advice. Focus and pitch one novel only. Do not tell me it's different than anything I've read or is on the market - show me with well-crafted words in your query.
Best wishes,
Casey
No way.
This writer comes off as naive and unprofessional.
Sorry. But no.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission and your interest in using me as an agent. After taking some time to consider your material, I have decided that this isn't right for me.
Best of luck in your writing endeavors,
Joy
Okay but what's the story about??
Dear Author:
Thank you for your interest in my agency. Unfortunately, I do not feel I am the right agent for you at this time. Best wishes as you continue your search.
Sincerely yours,
:)Ash
Dear X,
Thank you for your query. I’m afraid I have to pass, but I wish you luck in finding an agent who’s passionate about your work.
Today’s Agent
(Reasoning: not interested in stacks of old novels that weren't good enough for publication. Not interested in an unfinished mystery novel. Not interested in requesting untitled novels with no wordcount or story blurb. No idea what you want an agent to actually do in response to this letter.)
Dear Um . . . No Title,
Thank you for your query. Unfortunately, I am going to pass. I'd recommend you do some research into writing a great query letter before you send out anymore.
Best of luck,
Renee
I'm sorry, but I'll have to pass. - BJ
Reasons:
1) Query with one novel, and one novel only. Even if you've written a series, concentrate on selling the first novel only. You've given me nothing to love, here - no characters, no plot. Agents take you on the strength of one novel. Choose your best, and sell that. Or write a separate query for each novel you want to sell, and send the queries to agents who represent the specific genres.
2) Grammar is a bit awkward here.
Suggestion for author:
Research. Read agents' sites to see what they want in a query letter. Join a writers' group for feedback. Your writing could be great, but I wouldn't know it from this letter.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission, but it isn't what Im looking for at this time. Good luck with your publishing endeavors.
Kiki
Thanks for submitting your query. Unfortunately, I don't feel I am the agent to represent this work.
Dear Author,
Thanks for giving me the chance to consider your work. Unfortunately, it's not something I think I can sell at present. I wish you the best of luck in your writing career.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission, however I cannot ask for any additional information at this time.
Cindy
Dear author,
Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately, it's not quite right for me. I wish you good fortune in your quest for an agent.
Sincerely,
K. Andrew Smith
Thank you for considering our agency. Unfortunately the project is not right for us.
Best wishes.
I feel objectified. So I'll just have to pass.
Dear author,
Your manuscript is just not right for me. Thanks for querying.
sincerely,
moniza
Thanks for your query. We only consider manuscripts that are completed and look for specific information on the project. We wish you the best as you develop your work.
[form rejection]
Dear Author,
While I appreciate your consideration of our agency, I will have to pass on your work in process.
I am sorry to say I did not have the passionate response to it that I would need to request more (do you really even have anything here beyond an idea?) or offer you representation. Obviously you want an agent who will stand enthusiastically behind your work.
Additionally, given today’s publishing climate I do not believe I would be able to get you the attention from a publisher that your book deserves.
Publishing is very subjective, though, and another agent may well feel differently.
I do wish you success in finding representation and, once again, thank you for the opportunity to consider your work.
Sincerely,
Lois Lavrisa
Agent for a day
Dear Author,
Please read the submission guidelines.
Kind regards,
amyandnick
Your query didn't say what the manuscript was about.
Sorry, not for me.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query, but this isn't for me.
Sincerely,
Heather
* This is like a how-to on what not to do in a query letter.
Pick your best work and query that to an agent which represents that type of work specificly.
Please query me again with a specific project in mind.
Best of luck, Craven
Thank you for your consideration, but this isn't right for me.
Best of luck, Craven
Dear Author,
Thank you so much for submitting your work and considering me to represent it. While the story sounds quite interesting, I am afraid it does not fit my list at this point in time and I must regretfully pass. I know rejections can be hard to take, but please keep submitting and following your dream.
Best of luck in your agent hunt!
Sincerely,
Madison
Reason for rejection: Uh, why have you queried me without telling me about your story? I would be interested in a good mystery if you would just tell me about it. Bummer. :(
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission, but I'm afraid I must pass on this query.
In the future, please query only when you have a specific project in mind. Please read our submission requirements for further information.
Best wishes,
Agent L.C. Gant
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately I will pass on your query at this time.
Sincerely,
Amy
Thank you for sending me your work. Unfortunately, I must reject it. Don’t feel bad; I receive about 2,000 queries per week, and reject 99.99% of them. Assume I’m wrong about you. Don’t give up. In the meantime, increase your chances of success by downloading my e-book, “Kick-ass Queries,” available on my website for only $199.99.
Dear Author,
Please read the guidelines for a good query letter and resubmit. I need to hear specifics about your novel in order to decide if I want to read more.
Thank you,
Agent Laura
Dear Author
Thank you for your recent letter concerning your work. I am afraid that we are not enthusiastic enough about your work to pursue it further.
We wish you the best of luck in finding suitable representation.
Sincerely
The Fake Agency
Dear Author,
Um, what's your story about? Sorry, not for me.
Thanks!
I'd say this is a pass ... but I don't even know what I'm passing on. Choose one of your books and query it. Specific detail is the heart of good writing -- and good queries.
Dear Author,
Please review my posted submission guidlines.
Cat
Dear Author,
Thank you for submitting your query to Moth's Literary Agency. While your story sounds interesting, I'm afraid it's just not right for us. Best of luck in your writing career.
Sincerely,
Moth
Dear Author, thanks for thinking of me, but it's not quite right for my list at this time. Yrs, etc.
Dear Author,
I received and read your query. I am going to pass.
I'd suggest working on your query and hook. I have no idea what your mystery is about. If writing is your passion, definitely spend the time working on your hook and query.
Best to you,
Agent SCL
Dear Author,
Thank you for allowing RJM Agency to consider your work, but I’m afraid it’s not a good fit for our list. We wish you every bit of luck in your search for representation.
RJM
Dear A:
I'm afraid I will have to pass at this time.
Best,
~Jamie
Dear Author,
Thank you for your recent submission. I regret that I am unable to offer you representation at this time. I wish you luck in your search for representation.
Regards,
Bookshop
_______
(I am sure you probably wrote this query deliberately to represent the types of queries agents really do get!
But you're reading this blog, therefore smart; so I assume you understand that a query needs to always have at least 4 things: a completed novel with working title, its genre, listed word count, and a brief description of what it's about. Otherwise it's not a query, because you've got nothing for the agent to request in response.
Good luck!)
I would be very excited as an agent to find 'a mystery novel that is completely different from any mystery on the market.'
You mention that you are 'currently working on it'. But since there is no mention of what happens I can't tell from my insider agent experience if it really is different and as exciting as you hope it could be.
Suggestions:
Instead of querying now, wait until it is complete then you will be able to more easily include details of the plot, conflict or action that can show me it is as good as you say.
This query is general so that it pitches you more than any one book.
If you want me to consider one of your completed works, you need to focus on that one and really hook me with that one book - so that I want to represent the book first, and you as an author second.
***
Thank you for your query. Unfortunately we do not think that your book would be a likely prospect for our list.
We regret that the large number of submissions we receive makes it impossible to offer individual comment. We believe it is more important to read and evaluate every query / submission we receive with due consideration.
We appreciate you thinking of Getabo Creative Publishing, and wish you the best of luck with your manuscript and future writing endeavors.
Sincerely.
The Editors
Getabo Creative Publishing
Thanks for your query, but it's not right for me at this time. Best of luck to you in your writing endeavors!
Elaine
Thank you for your query. I'm going to pass at this time.
Reasoning: This isn't a query for a project.
Thank you for your interest in our agency. Please submit a query detailing one of your projects and we will give it the same consideration we give to all other requests we receive.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your email. Please review submission guidelines before sending another query.
Best wishes,
HHS
Dear Author,
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!
Dear Author,
Thanks you for your submission, but this is not for me. I wish you luck in finding a home for your manuscript.
All the best,
Barb
Thank you for your query. I don't feel this is quite right for me but best of luck to you.
Sincerely,
Kristi
Dear Author
Thank you for sending me your query. I regret to inform you that it does not suit the needs of my list at this time.
Regards, Jessumby
Dear Author,
I'm afraid that at this time I am unable to offer representation for your novel. This is purely a business decision, and unfortunately means that we must turn away many talented individuals. I encourage you to continue querying agents you think might be interested.
I appreciate your interest in Agent for A Day, and wish you every success in your writing career.
Regards,
Cassandra
Dear Author,
Unfortunately, I am unable to offer you representation at this time. Thank you for submitting your work for consideration. Please keep me in mind for future projects.
Kindest Regards,
D. Agent
Dear Author,
Thank you for submitting your query but I'm afraid I will have to pass on this one. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
Dear Author,
Please be sure to read the submission guidelines before you submit a quey in the future. And please keep in mind that you should only query about one novel at a time.
Bes of Luck
-Lea
Dear Author,
Thank you for allowing me to read this query, but it's not right for me. Best of luck.
Lily
Reason: I have no idea what the book is. I'm not trying to sell the author, I want a book.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately, I can only accept completed manuscripts for consideration at this time. Consequently, I will have to pass on your proposal.
Regards,
Gwen
Dear Author of Query #7,
Thank you for your query, but your project isn't right for me.
KathyF
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission. Please make sure to read my submission guidelines before submitting next time, as I only accept completed manuscripts at the time.
Thanks,
Cary
Dear Author,
Thank you for your interest, unfortunately we only represent completed projects. Please feel free to query regarding something specific.
Thank you and good luck,
Agent F A Day
Dear Author,
Thank you for your email. If you finish this novel and wish to send a proper query with some information on it, please visit the website of Nathan Bransford. It is full of useful tips and advice.
Best of Luck
The Wickerman
Dry Cleaner, Bransford lit
Thank you for your recent request. We regret that we are unable to take advantage of this opportunity. Best of luck to you.
Dear Author:
I hear from hundreds of new authors every week. What is the novel about?
Sincerely,
Horserider Literary Agency
Form Rejection. Please read guidelines.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query, but I am unable to accept your proposal. Enclosed is a copy of the submission guidelines.
Regards,
Calli
_____
(Side note: No plot, the work is incomplete (the author says as much), mentioning multiple unpublished works as if they were publication credentials, random punctuation when listing genres (I did a double take when I saw humor - a romance), asking me to call for additional information for something I don't even know what the heck it is let alone if I'd be interested...
I'd chalk it up to lack of research, but the query comes off as arrogant rather than uninformed. Whichever it is, the author comes across as needing much more time improving his/her writing first.)
Dear Author,
Please complete your mystery novel before submitting again, or pick from one of your completed novels to query separately.
Please refer to the agency's submission guidelines.
Best of luck,
Agent for the Day
Ouch! I think I've been pre-insulted as being 'closed minded' should I turn down this query.
The query does not provide any useful information that will help me determine if you have or if you will have a novel that I can get published. What is the genre, hook, plot, market, etc.... etc?
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. Unfortunately I am not interested in representing your novel.
Regards,
Dana
reasons: I'm not even sure which novel I'm being asked to represent.
Thanks for thinking of me, but I’m sorry to say that I have to pass. Good luck in your hunt for representation, and don’t get discouraged!
Dear Author;
Form Rejection.
Cordially,
Agent Gregory
[First line is easily taken as insulting. Claiming that what you've written is new and different than anything I've seen before further insults my intelligence. If you've got something that's new and different, tell me what it is. I'm actually wondering if this query is "real" or if it's a shill. If it's "real," advise you read Nathan's material on queries.]
Dear Author,
Thank you for submitting your query. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer you representation at this time. Best of luck,
Agent KES
Dear Author,
Thank you for submitting your query. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer you representation at this time. Best of luck,
Agent KES
Dear Author
Thank you for your communication which we received today.
If you would like us to consider one of your manuscripts please follow our submission advice which can be found on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Flower Kavanaugh
Dear Author,
Thank you so much for submitting your work to me. However, previously unpublished authors must have a completed manuscript before I will consider the work. I wish you much luck in your writing endeavors.
Agent-for-a-day
Dear Author,
Thank you for the query. I regret to inform you that this is not the right work for me to represent at this time.
I wish you luck in your future writing career.
Sincerely,
Kelly Guentner
Dear Author,
Thank you for querying me. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm the right agent to represent your work.
Best,
Agent
Dear Author
Thank you for your letter of introduction. It is best to provide details for a specific, completed novel in query letter format.
Sincerely,
Agent for the Day
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. You sound like someone who is pursing your writing career very enthusastically. However, I would need more information about the novel in your query before requesting more information.
I wish you the best of luck!
Mira
Thank you for querying me. Unfortunately I am going to have to pass at this time.
I wish you the best of luck with another agent.
Sincerely,
Agent
Dear Author,
Thank you for submitting your query to the Most Awesome Literary Agency Ever. I regret that, at this time, your project is not quite what I’m looking for. I wish you the best of luck in your continuing search for representation.
Sincerely,
Jen C.
I wouldn't respond to this letter because it does not follow the proper format of a query. (I'm sorry if that sounds harsh. My intention is just to let you know that's what I would do. It wouldn't do any good to just not respond on here, since you wouldn't know why.)
I'm sorry, but this is not a query. I have to reject.
Please feel free to query me with the plot synopsis, title, genre, and length of your most recently completed project.
Best of luck in your endeavors.
-Agent Pro Tempore
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query, but I'm going to pass. Best of luck in your search for representation.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Do you have a complete manuscript? If so, please send a query letter in accordance with the submission guidelines, which can be found here: (web address). While I appreciate your letter, I am looking for projects to represent, not people.
Best of luck,
Katy
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. However, I cannot make a decision without having specific information about your novel. Please read our submission guidelines before submitting your next query.
Dear Author,
Thanks for your email, but it's a no for me. Do refer to the submission guidelines on our website when querying.
Good luck,
Soratian
Dear Author,
Thank you for the opportunity to consider your manuscript. I'm afraid it isn't right for me.
Regards,
-Annalee
-----------
Reason: This query tells me absolutely nothing. First, query for one project at a time. Second, describe the project. "Completely different" could mean anything from "fresh and intriguing" to "written entirely in carrot juice on homemade poison sumac paper." Saying your project is different is like saying it's brilliant: of course you think it is, or else you wouldn't be submitting it. The agent has to judge that for themselves.
Thank you for your submission. A writer needs to be able to think out of the box yet they also need to know how to conform to certain rules. Please take a look at our submission guidelines and feel free to query me back a specific project. There are also numerous websites available that may help you to launch your career. Good luck!
Patti K.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. Please re-read the submission guidelines and feel free to submit a query for what you feel is your best, most polished manuscript.
Best of luck,
Megan
Thank you for submitting Fresh, New Material, but I'm going to have to pass.
XWD Literary Agency
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission, but I'm going to pass. Please follow my submission guidelines for any future queries.
--
Polenth
Form rejection
Thank you for your email. Please review our submission guidelines and then query me for a specific completed work. Good luck with your search for representation. CJK
Thanks for the opportunity but I'm afraid I'll have to pass on representing this piece.
Best of luck with your writing.
~Eden
Dear Author,
Thank you for your interest in my agency. However, I will not be requesting any further materials from you at this time. Please note that submissions are a very subjective business and my comments are not a critique on your writing ability. I strongly encourage you to continue your search for an agent and wish you all the best.
Your sincerely,
Make-believe Agency
Dear Author,
Thank you for your interest in my agency. However, I will not be requesting any further materials from you at this time. Please note that submissions are a very subjective business and my comments are not a critique on your writing ability. I strongly encourage you to continue your search for an agent and wish you all the best.
Your sincerely,
Make-believe Agency
Dear Author,
Thank you for your note, but I must confess that I find myself confused at the lack of a, well, a query.
If I may offer some advice: Though diverse interests are in general a good thing, when embarking on a writing career you might want to choose one genre--the one that most appeals to you. And be sure to read an agent's guidelines before submitting any information.
All the best,
Melanie
Dear Author,
Thanks for your letter. I'm afraid we will not be able to represent you at this time.
Best,
Agent For a Day
Dear Author,
Thank you for your submission, but I am not the right agent for this book. Best of luck!
Robin
Dear Untitled,
I'm sorry, but I am passing. Please see my query requirements for future submissions.
Thanks,
Sage
Dear Author,
Please consult our submission guidelines.
Best regards,
Selene Da Agent
Selene Literary
Dear Author #7,
Regrets.
Good luck with your work.
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query. I appreciate your enthusiasm. In future queries I recommend including a paragraph describing a single manuscript in further detail.
Unfortunately I am unable to request a partial at this time.
Kind regards,
Sol Nima
Dear Author,
Thank you for your query.
I will have to pass on this project, but best of luck to you.
-Nay
Dear NAME,
Thank you for your submission, but unfortunately it’s not for me. Publishing is a very subjective business, though, and another agent may feel differently. Best of luck on your continued search.
Please query with one novel, and include a blurb on that novel.
Yours,
Kat Brauer
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