my favorite rejection

Bealeblast · 07-31-2007, 01:30 AM

Honestly, it seems a bit weird to say that I genuinely consider this a positive experience, but I actually felt good after reading this agent's rejection after reading a partial, written and personally signed on her stationary....

"Thank you for trying me with____, which I've looked at with interest. I think you're on to a good smart, commercial story here, and I'm only sorry to say that I didn't fall in love enough with it."

I guess we have to take our encouragement wherever we can get it.

And now that I've had the experience of having a handful of agents read a full ms and just fade away without a word back to me, this agent looks particularly good.....

Arkie · 07-31-2007, 03:02 AM

[quote=Bealeblast;1510431]Honestly, it seems a bit weird to say that I genuinely consider this a positive experience...

I think you're right. You've got a good attitude. Stay after it.

FloVoyager · 07-31-2007, 11:37 PM

What doesn't work for one may be perfect for another. Keep submitting.

Saundra Julian · 08-01-2007, 12:09 AM

Nice stationary is a plus! Hang in there, sweetie, and keep subbing.

pollykahl · 08-02-2007, 01:49 AM

I'm with you bealeblast. About a month ago I had called a publisher to inquire about their requirements and by a fluke the acquisitions director answered the phone. She asked me about my project which was an old half-written self help book that I was only kindofsortofmaybeinthebackofmymind thinking of submitting. She was very enthused and the next thing I knew, I was preparing a synopsis and samples. They didn't go for it, but they were courteous and it gave me a taste for what it would be like to really submit. They sent me a very nice, individualized email rejection and told me exactly what was wrong with my proposal (and they were right.) All in all a great experience.

Bealeblast · 08-02-2007, 02:54 AM

Your experience shows how if you show up with the right thing when they're looking you shoot to the top of the pile....obviously there was a lot right with your project too. And I do believe given how strange this process really is, it's vital to read the signs well, and know you're not that far off from hitting the bulls eye.

cheers.

pollykahl · 08-02-2007, 04:15 AM

I think so too beale, and to be honest with you, it was quite a thrill. I have only been on this site for a couple of months, and in that time have read so many horror stories of writers who have struggled for years to even have a conversation with someone - an agent, a publisher - anyone. So to met with that kind of courtesy and enthusiasm was amazing. Even tho they rejected me, I was floating on air for a week.

Hang on to that rejection note. It's a keeper.

07-31-2007, 01:30 AM	#1
Bealeblast figuring it all out Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 81	my favorite rejection Honestly, it seems a bit weird to say that I genuinely consider this a positive experience, but I actually felt good after reading this agent's rejection after reading a partial, written and personally signed on her stationary.... "Thank you for trying me with____, which I've looked at with interest. I think you're on to a good smart, commercial story here, and I'm only sorry to say that I didn't fall in love enough with it." I guess we have to take our encouragement wherever we can get it. And now that I've had the experience of having a handful of agents read a full ms and just fade away without a word back to me, this agent looks particularly good.....

08-02-2007, 01:49 AM	#5
pollykahl practical experience, FTW Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: rural PA Posts: 290	it's a compliment for sure I'm with you bealeblast. About a month ago I had called a publisher to inquire about their requirements and by a fluke the acquisitions director answered the phone. She asked me about my project which was an old half-written self help book that I was only kindofsortofmaybeinthebackofmymind thinking of submitting. She was very enthused and the next thing I knew, I was preparing a synopsis and samples. They didn't go for it, but they were courteous and it gave me a taste for what it would be like to really submit. They sent me a very nice, individualized email rejection and told me exactly what was wrong with my proposal (and they were right.) All in all a great experience. __________________ -memoir Borderline Love~ DONE! -autobio short stories 20,000/70,000 Recovery Reconnaissance Blog My Web Page

08-02-2007, 02:54 AM	#6
Bealeblast figuring it all out Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 81	timing is everything Your experience shows how if you show up with the right thing when they're looking you shoot to the top of the pile....obviously there was a lot right with your project too. And I do believe given how strange this process really is, it's vital to read the signs well, and know you're not that far off from hitting the bulls eye. cheers.

08-02-2007, 04:15 AM	#7
pollykahl practical experience, FTW Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: rural PA Posts: 290	yupper I think so too beale, and to be honest with you, it was quite a thrill. I have only been on this site for a couple of months, and in that time have read so many horror stories of writers who have struggled for years to even have a conversation with someone - an agent, a publisher - anyone. So to met with that kind of courtesy and enthusiasm was amazing. Even tho they rejected me, I was floating on air for a week. Hang on to that rejection note. It's a keeper. __________________ -memoir Borderline Love~ DONE! -autobio short stories 20,000/70,000 Recovery Reconnaissance Blog My Web Page

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07-31-2007, 03:02 AM	#2
Arkie a reader's ear and a writer's heart Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 688	[quote=Bealeblast;1510431]Honestly, it seems a bit weird to say that I genuinely consider this a positive experience... I think you're right. You've got a good attitude. Stay after it.

07-31-2007, 11:37 PM	#3
FloVoyager Will write for chocolate Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 424	What doesn't work for one may be perfect for another. Keep submitting.

08-01-2007, 12:09 AM	#4
Saundra Julian A work in progress Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,591	Nice stationary is a plus! Hang in there, sweetie, and keep subbing.