Pam Webb

The Writer Life: Nope, but thanks

The writer life for me started back in the early eighties when I began submitting stories to various publications. The process back then was tedious compared to today. With no online presence (because of no Internet) finding sources usually came through newsletters or thumbing through the Writer’s Digest annual publication guide. Not much up-to-the-minute information.

Finding a market meant typing out the manuscript, accompanied by a query/cover letter on my Smith-Corona electric (no computers and no laptops yet). Then making a copy involving going to Kinko’s and standing in line at the copier (no computer, meant no home printers). After that came labeling the envelope and enclosing a SASE (self-addressed stamp envelope–do we even do that anymore?) and standing in line at the post office, doling out appropriate postage. After that came the wait.

A good day meant receiving an acceptance letter and a contract in the mail (no cell phones so no text or email notification)
A bad day meant getting not getting my manuscript returned with a form rejection letter.
A tolerable day meant getting my manuscript returned with a personal rejection turn down letter.

Zip up to the present and most of the process is streamlined. My laptop and printer and cut down considerable typing and copying time. Email expedites submissions (most publishers/agents/editors only accept electronic submissions) and rarely do I visit the post office, except to send out a book to a fortunate raffle winner from a book signing. BTW: I wholeheartedly support my post office–please stick around.

As for those form rejection letters. The electronic age has made them land in my email box with ease and alacrity, which is both good and bad news. Agents and publishers all have their stock, polite pass replies, or what I call the “Nope, this doesn’t work/isn’t what I’m looking for, but thanks for thinking of me.”

I used to keep the paper rejection turn down letters from my former days, and then decided “What’s the point?” It’s not like I’m an Austen or a Bradbury and some university would be delighted to have my correspondence for their library. Big bonfire later, my files are thinner and I have a sense of moving forward. I did appreciate some of the personal letters, or at least the form ones that had a fast handwritten line or two of encouragement. Those bolstered my Eeyore days of mild complaint of why write, what’s the use?

Yesterday, I sat down for a goodly portion of the day and sent out queries to several agents. Most agents use Query Tracker which is super because it is efficient and easy to use. I keep track of the turn down replies and store them in an email folder. Once again, I thought to myself, “What’s the point?” and began deleting them. I began to notice a wide range of styles. Some are abrupt, some are encouraging, but most are obviously a template with no personal touch. I understand that. Some agents get smacked with submissions and don’t have time to personally reply. Some don’t even reply at all. Here are some examples of how the electronic age has evolved in so nicely and politely turning down a manuscript:

Thank you for the opportunity to review your picture book texts. While I appreciate being considered to represent you and your work, unfortunately, I will be passing on this. I have to be very selective in taking on new clients, and though your work has many merits, it’s not a fit for my list at this time.

I actually felt good about being turned down, even though I knew it was 98% form letter.

We appreciate your thinking of [publishing company], but this story isn’t right for our very small list.

Not a fan of the short, succinct.

Thank you for your submission. I appreciate the opportunity consider [project]. After careful review, I will be stepping aside. I wish you the best of luck in your publishing endeavors.

This is a step up from the first example because my project is mentioned, and with the phrase “stepping aside” I feel like the agent is allowing someone else the opportunity to take on the project. And it’s always appreciated to have a bit of exclamatory encouragement.

This next email arrived this morning (I had queried yesterday–that was fast). It is the first personal turn down I have received in ever so long. This is a new agent and perhaps they haven’t been hammered by a deluge of submissions yet, so they have time to be more personable. Or they are just considerate. I’m going more with the latter.

Unfortunately, [project] isn’t what I’m looking for right now, so I’ll be passing with regrets. (You’ve got a nice YA voice, but the opening pages didn’t jump into a scene as quickly as I would have liked. I also worry that this concept won’t stand out in a crowded market.) Thank you for considering me, and very best of luck with your other queries.

This combines a form letter with a personal, constructive statement, which provides me more insight on what this agent is looking for and definitely takes some of the sting of getting yet another turn down. I can work with this and will absolutely query this agent with another project, one more in line of their interest.

So-

I’m curious. To you other writers out there:

What are your thoughts on receiving turn down letters? Do you have some stand outs to share?