Usuck.jpgI have two good friends that are also struggling authors (although one is only semi-struggling now.) One had his first manuscript rejected more than 75 times. He finally shelved it and is working on a film career.

The other friend just signed a two-book hardback deal off a second piece (way to go Tony) only after having his first book canned for more than a year.

As I'm sending my chops out to literary agents and publishers I thought I'd post the form letter feedback and any insight from "the front".

3/9/06

Hey, about time I posted something over here. Here's a tidbit of a recent short story rejection. She was most gracious and offered kind constructive criticism. Much appreciated.

"I think you have a good grasp of the strange, or I would have just said “Thanks, but this doesn’t fit our needs.” I hope you’ll try me again with something else (or a remake of this). Best of luck with your work.

5/22/06

"Rest assured, we do read every query letter carefully and although your work sounds intriguing, we’re sorry to say that we don't believe we are the right agency for you."

Hey, I'm starting to get non-rejection letters:

6/10/06

"Sounds interesting. Send the first twenty pages and a detailed synopsis via email. I look forward to reading your work."

6/14/06

"Your novel sounds interesting. Please send the first 50 pages, a synopsis and a SASE to my attention at the address below. Thanks very much."

I spoke too soon. Back to the rejections:

7/18/06

"Unfortunately, while your project sounds interesting, it doesn't meet the criteria we are looking for right now. We encourage you to keep writing and wish you the best of luck with another agency."

7/25/06

"Your novel is certainly well-realized but unfortunately I just didn't connect with the story. I'm sure you've heard the "agenting is very subjective" bit before, but it really is true. Although your project is not right for my particular list, it very well could be a perfect fit for someone else."

5/2/07

Time for an update on THE PANAMA HOTEL:

"Actually, could we request the whole manuscript, please? An email attachment is totally fine."

"I’d love to take a look at the first three chapters and synopsis via email attachment. Thanks so much for thinking of me."

"Thank you for sending me a query letter describing your novel. I would like to take a look at sample chapters (the first 15-20 pages) of your manuscript."

"Thanks so much for contacting me. Your project sounds most intriguing, and I'd love to have a look."

And also...

"Thanks for your email, but I'm afraid that my present workload is such that I won't be able to take on new projects until some time later in 2007. By then, hopefully, you'll have an agent and a publishing deal. I wish I could recommend someone to you for this, but this is such a subjective business that I'm really not sure."

"Thank you for your recent letter. I regret to say that your work doesn’t appear to be the kind of material I am currently looking for. However, opinions vary considerably in this business, and I wish you the best of luck in your search for representation."

Now that I've signed with an agent, here's a summation of rejections along the way. (CLICK)