A query response that doesn't suck
on the query rejection I can't stop thinking about
Is it possible to feel this excited about a rejection?
In writing, as in life, there are variations on the word NO. There is a slam the door in your face NO, and there is a slowly and quietly press the door closed NO. In both instances, the door is shut. But the way the door is shut also matters.
In the querying process, there are several different ways in which the door to publishing is closed. One that seems to be very common these days is the non-reply. Simply being ghosted. Of the 15 queries I’ve sent, most have gone completely unanswered—a frustrating and very impersonal NO. The other very common form of rejection is the generic email response, something along the lines of ‘I’m afraid this work is not right for me at this time.’ Hard as you might try to find some element of personalization here, if you compared 100 of these form emails, they would be nearly equal in all but a few words. The sentiment is the same: NO thank you.
The third type of query rejection is one that offers some nugget of feedback, a tiny pearl of wisdom that can be used to guide your querying process. These are the coveted rejections, the rejections we aspiring authors long for, especially early in the querying process. To have an agent offer some feedback, even if it isn’t what you want to hear, is a huge gift. I had such a gift.
My agent feedback was this:
I wanted to reach out directly because you are a lovely writer! (An actual exclamation point!!) I just don’t think I could place this project with the major trade publishers, sadly.
Sad indeed.
And finally this:
If you ever have a different project that you’re shopping around though, please do let me know! (Another exclamation point!)
So much to unpack here. First, the good: I’m a lovely writer! Amazing. I’ll take the compliment. A little flattery can go a long way on this humbling writing journey. Second: this particular agent would be interested in seeing another project from me. That is very encouraging. In fact, it is a bit of an open door to follow up with this agent in the future. (But should I be writing something else entirely? Oh boy…that is a topic for another day!)
As to the part about the major trade publishers, that is discouraging. Does this mean my story doesn’t have a big enough hook, that it is too quiet to reach a large audience? Perhaps. But a quiet story can still find its readers. Right?
I’d love to know your thoughts on this querying process in general, or on my agent feedback. There is nothing easy or simple about this and although so many writers have gone through this, no one’s experience is ever the same. I just have to keep going, keep going, keep going…
We are moving in just a few weeks…exciting! And so much work to do. Yikes. I think I’m in denial about packing and unpacking. But I am loving all the designing and planning of our new home. This 110 year-old house is so very different from our current modern ranch. I’ve been sharing some design ideas over on my Instagram (@paigegeiger_writes) if you ever want to follow me there.
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading Work in Progress!
The mermaid cake is spectacular AND - I would be
jazzed by that rejection. In fact it just happened to me (my agent just resigned so I’m on the hunt AGAIN) and it has completely motivated and inspired me as I work on my next project. It’s hard when you don’t have “a next project” even started, but the fact that she loves your writing and took time to ask for more is AWESOME 🤩
I am so accustomed to being ghosted, I print any email with a response. (I have 2 since 2023 for two personal essays I’ve submitted that never found a home.)
Since you desire feedback, here you go.
Your title & subtitle was relatable and intriguing. I knew I wanted to read this post. However, the image of the 6-year-old with a mermaid cake—that’s excitement. Your choice of image and succinct message made me want to read it now. (The first Substack I read this morning.)