I've made up my mind

My rejection collectionYep, I've settled on a literary agent--I’ll let you know tomorrow.

In the meantime, here are some rejection highlights. Many were of the form-letter variety, but not all. In the end, some very gracious people took time from their busy schedules to read my stuff and respond, and it’s sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

“Thanks for sending me The Panama Hotel, which I read last night -- I enjoyed the book, it was well written and the characters were fabulous, but it just didn't zing with me the way I had hoped. Usually I'd recommend some revisions, but considering that you already have a few offers on the table, I'll step aside. If it doesn't work out with the agent of your choosing, I hope you'll contact me - as there is so much to like here and I'd love to see what else you could come up with.  Or (and I see this as the more likely option), drop me a line when it hit bookshelves and I'll pick myself up a copy.”

“I'm sorry to say that I can't offer you representation at this time.  If you choose not to sign with one of the other agents you're currently speaking with, I'd be happy to give you some feedback.  If you then undertook a revision along the lines I'd suggest, I'd be happy to reconsider the project.”

“Thanks for the opportunity to consider THE PANAMA HOTEL. Your characters and setting are truly fantastic, but ultimately I'm not enthusiastic enough about the story to offer representation.”

“Thank you for sending me the first few pages of your manuscript. The Panama Hotel has an interesting premise and some lovely writing, but in the end, I just don't think I'm the right agent for your manuscript. I want to encourage you to continue sending it out to other agents and editors. I'm sure you will find a home for your book.”

“I read this right away and I’m afraid wasn’t captured by the writing, although I do think the premise is fantastic.  Very best of luck to you and thanks so much for keeping me posted.”

“Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to consider your manuscript, much of which I read last night. You are clearly a talented writer and I can understand why you have interest from agents. Unfortunately, however, I am being extremely careful about taking on new projects, particularly first novels which are very difficult to place in the current marketplace. I fear I didn't feel quite as enthusiastically about this book as I hoped to, and so won't be offering representation. Clearly this is a business of taste and sensibilities and I look forward to hearing of the sale on Publishers Marketplace.”

Comments

[Kelly]

Those are very kind Rs, Jamie. I'm also glad you've found the right agent for you. :)

[Jaye Wells]

Can't wait to find out the final decision.If anything those letters prove how subjective this business is. Although, I have to say this line was pretty discouraging: "particularly first novels which are very difficult to place in the current marketplace." Although, I fully expect your novel to be the exception to that.

[Jamie]

It was a tough decision. And with each rejection, and I got a LOT, there was that inclination to sign with someone in NYC, just as a security blanket of sorts--which is bogus.

The writing comes first. Geography second, if at all.

[anne frasier]

wasn't captured by the writing? JFC.

i want to smack that one upside the head.

:D

[Southern Writer]

I’m afraid wasn’t captured by the writing, although I do think the premise is fantastic. Very best of luck to you and thanks so much for keeping me posted.”


I have one exactly like this. :-(

It's heartening that in spite of a bunch of rejections, you still made it. Maybe there's a chance for me after all.

[Andy Peters]

Are you just a liiiitle bit curious about what sorts of revisions the first two rejections would have suggested if you'd been able to go to them?

[Jamie]

Actually the second one was after a series of back and forth discussions. It was clear by her earlier emails that she just didn't get the book, while other agents were wildly enthusiastic about it the way it was, so I went with them. The other one though, hmmm.......yeah, I wondered a bit....

[Kamie]

As I start down the path to hunt for an agent, it's nice to see someone posting rejections to make the rest of us feel a wee bit better. Thanks!