This story doesn’t have a particularly happy ending, but you can learn something from it. Actually, you can learn several somethings from it (so read the whole thing).
A while back one of my 1-on-1 coaching clients worked with me to improve his query letter. The query explained how fabulous the author’s book was (not in those words, exactly, since that would have been arrogant); and it praised the many virtues and accomplishments of the literary agent (but not in a way that seemed like sucking up).
By the way, flattery might not get you anywhere… but sincere compliments can go a long way. Now, here’s the disturbing daisy chain of emails the author shared with me (that inspired me to write this article). You’ll see that I’ve added my perspective and explained my role in the incident. After all, I don’t want you to think that I just write query letters and then send my clients out into the literary wilderness on their own.
That would be cruel.
Instead, I travel with them as a guide…
shepherding them through the process of:
- Finding agents that are a good fit
- Sending out queries
- Responding to agent requests
- Choosing the best agent to sign a contract with
- Negotiating the best terms for the author/agent agreement
In this case, I guided my author through the process of saving face. Let’s just say that the author got a rejection letter and didn’t like it. So he embarrassed himself by sending the literary agent a rejection letter of his own. By the way, I’ve deleted the names of both parties for confidentiality (not just the name of the author, but also the name of the literary agent – even though she comes off looking like a saint).
Here’s the rejection letter my
author got from the agent:
* * *
Dear Author:
Thanks for the opportunity to consider representing your work, and my apologies for taking longer to respond than I anticipated. The story is certainly one with commercial potential, but, I’m sorry to say that, for me, the quality of the writing simply doesn’t rise to the level of that of the premise. That said, while I am not the right agent for you, I wish you the best of luck in finding the one who is.
Cordially,
Famous Literary Agent
* * *
My client lost it.
He went rogue and (without my knowledge), fired off a swift reply to the agent without running it by me first (at least he blind copied me on it so I could see what he’d done). You’ll see that I’ve X’ed out many of the details to protect the identity of the author.
* * *
Dear Famous Literary Agent,
Thank you for your consideration of my project. Given that I lost the ability to XXXXX until I was XXXXX years old while trying to survive XXXXX—emigrating to XXXXX and being plopped into the XXXXX grade without any further guidance to polish my ability to learn the language, as youngsters are in today’s world—but yet having the ability to become a successful XXXXX and being one of the few XXXXX to be invited to XXXXX—being forced to fly back to XXXXX while XXXXX—after surviving XXXXX, XXXXX, and XXXXX—I avoided XXXXX by the skin of my teeth—teaching myself how to XXXXX again—I am honored to be given the tenacity which has taken me this far. These ordeals are mentioned in my book—but how can one bring a life filed with these types of dramas into the first fifty pages of a book?
I appreciate your candor and truly understand your disappointment in my writing which does not rise to the level of the premise. That said, I will proceed with my project with an agent who has the ability to ask more questions because he or she understands the total scope of the work.
Best regards,
Author
* * *
The second I saw this email drop into my email box (like a live grenade),
I realized I needed to take action quickly.
I sent my author the following:
* * *
Dear Author,
Common practice is to send a polite thank you (if anything) to literary agents that reject your work. You’re a good writer and you’re much better off channeling your energy into sending out more queries.
That agent didn’t do anything wrong.
She actually did you a favor (in my eyes) by complimenting the commercial appeal of your story… and giving you specific feedback about what she felt could be improved (instead of just sending you a form rejection letter).
By the way, don’t forget that this is just one literary agent’s opinion. Other agents will likely see things differently. I know it’s difficult to get rejection letters like that, but I thought you might appreciate (and benefit from) this perspective.
Mark
* * *
I wasn’t sure how my author would respond.
Would he get angry or be humble?
Two hours later I got this:
* * *
Hi Mark,
I know you are right and thank you for your feedback.
Author
* * *
That didn’t surprise me too much; the author is a stand up guy who’s normally a perfect gentleman (I knew he was just hurt by the rejection). What did surprise me, however, was how the famous literary agent responded.
Here is her email responding
to my client’s tirade:
* * *
Dear Author:
Best of luck. You deserve it.
Famous Literary Agent
* * *
Talk about a class act…
The literary agent could have easily blasted my client, and I would have said it was well-deserved. She also could have (understandably) just deleted my client’s email and ignored him.
But she didn’t.
Don’t ever say that all literary agents are cynical and insensitive.
It’s just not true.
An hour later (after getting the literary agent’s reply and having time to think it all over), my author sent this note to the agent:
* * *
Dear Famous Literary Agent,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I do respect your candid and well deserved input. As a result of your comments, I am re-writing the book. Stylistically and grammatically it will change – but the essence of the story will remain. I sincerely hope you will consent to look at the revised version.
Best regards,
Author
* * *
When I saw this email, I was thrilled that my author did “the right thing.” I was also impressed that he had the forethought and courage to ask for permission to resubmit the book at a later date (that took guts considering the author blasted the agent previously).
Now, here’s the best part of this whole incident (in my mind anyway),
the final email that the literary agent sent the author…
It’s also the main moral of the story, if you will.
* * *
Dear Author:
Since we seem to be engaged in a candid correspondence, I feel it’s appropriate to make this point; notwithstanding the awful circumstances of your early life, and the awesome tenacity it has taken for you to shape your impressive subsequent life as you have, it has no bearing on meeting the literary standards it takes to create and sustain a high quality book. In the end, it’s always about the words on the page, not the sufferings of the writer to get them there.
That said, of course, I’ll be happy to reconsider your rewritten material whenever you think it’s ready.
Cordially,
Famous Literary Agent
* * *
Although I don’t agree with the agent’s assessment of my author’s writing… I agree wholeheartedly that suffering, intention, and enthusiasm aren’t the only things needed to make a good book. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I was impressed that the literary agent was
willing to take the high road like that.
And I was impressed that the literary agent
was willing to take the time to do that.
Again, a class act.
* * *
The End of the Story
When you get a painful (aren’t they all?) rejection letter, take your time and think carefully before you respond (if you respond at all). Don’t be a hothead. Don’t be rude. And don’t send a literary agent a letter that’s the equivalent of emotional diarrhea.
Some things should be kept to yourself.
Oh, and remember…
It only takes one literary agent to understand and appreciate your vision for you to get published. And there are plenty of literary agents in the sea.
Really.
Here’s proof.
The author I just told you about got this response (below) from another well-known literary agency just a few hours after the incident I just described. Yes, the very same day he got the rejection letter I just shared with you… he got this:
* * *
Dear Author,
I’m writing to you on behalf of Famous Literary Agent. We thank you for your interest in the agency and would like to read a sample of your work. Please send a synopsis and the first 50 pages of the book as a Word document.
I look forward to reading your sample.
Sincerely,
Assistant to Famous Literary Agent
* * *
I guess this story didn’t have such
a bad ending after all,
– Mark
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
I have have sent thank you notes to several of my classy rejections. In fact, since working with you, Mrk, I have only had decent rejections. Prior to learning how to write a good query, I had some rude rejections. One sent my original letter back with “NOT THIS ONE,! Scrawled across it.
Classy rejections… it’s just a joke waiting to happen. Like best breakups and amicable divorces. I guess if someone is going to get rejections, it’s better if they’re sweet. Or at least not toxic. I’m happy to know that I’m part of the reason your getting nice rejections. Wait a minute, that doesn’t sound good. I’m not going to post that on my wonder wall of testimonials. But I am glad you’re getting treated with respect. Now let’s get you an agent and a deal! Mark
Ha! Yeah I guess classy rejections are like friendly fire.
I sent a query out today to an erudite young man (evan gregory) who is clearly too intelligent to represent the likes of me. My guess is he got 5 s on all his AP exams. But I enjoyed his blog so I sent him a query package . Awaiting a well written rejection.
I’m awaiting a well written acceptance letter (that should balance out the energy). 😉 By the way, make sure you check out the post I’m sending out later this morning… a video interview of top agents discussing the latest trends. Have a great weekend. Mark | Ask a Literary Agent
an agent wrote: “…it just doesn’t crank it for me!” You can imagine what I thought would crank it for him. That was his opinion, and he wouldn’t have worked hard for me anyway given that frame of reference. Keep your opinion to yourself and maintain a professional demeanor if you want what you want, or you will have a REALLY HARD TIME FINDING SOMEONE willing to work with you and rep for you!
Too funny. There should be a rule that says literary agents can’t write rejection letters after midnight (when they’re more likely to be overly tired and perhaps under the influence of a mind altering substance). Same goes for Twitter, Facebook, and the rest of it. Amen on the professionalism and thanks for chiming in. Mark
– in reality, I thank them and move on….if I have the opportunity to thank them—meaning they sent a note or called. At least your client asked to resubmit. This has nothing to do with being ready to get a rejection, but instead getting that not everyone will appreciate your work as you do. Consider that there are few major publishing houses, and you might grasp how small this world is. So, kick the door/wall, but keep your opinion to yourself. –There are other agents to choose from. Once,
Yeah, I was blown away at that… having the nerve to ask to resubmit after unloading on the agent. But it was awesome. I’m glad he did it. Funny how doors open sometimes. My author turned what looked like a straight up rejection into a second chance. Loving it. You also gave me a quote idea: “If you knock on a door and no one answers, kick the door down.” Mark
Here I am, your favorite crack lit agent executioner/firing squad rolled into one. You know this from reading my previous lit agent experiences or of my descent into Dante’s inferno. That said, YOU and YOU only read that opinion. The Lit A world is small….word gets around, and if you want help/representation it’s never a good idea to bite no blast the hand that might feed you! In my mind, Agents and I are rumbling just like Charles Schultz might depict in a Peanuts Cartoon strip, but
Hey Jeanann… well said. Don’t bit the hand that rejects you or it might tattle to another agent. 😉 Mark
Your email brightened my day. Have to be next month before I get to talk with you. I am indeed impressed with your personal attention to the numerous posts. Thank you for spending your time in such a way especially since it is so evident it is appreciated. Ken
Hi Ken, I’m happy to hear that. The brightening part… not the other bit about waiting until next month to talk to me. Oh, well. I’ll try to get by. At least I have everyone here on my blog to keep me company. 😉 As you can tell I enjoy hanging out here with everyone. Much fun. Enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you soon. Thanks for the kind words. Mark
Happy Anniversary to you and Ingrid! Thank you for posting this… definite food for thought, and a great lesson to be learned without having to bare the scars to have learned it! 🙂 Have a great anniversary weekend.
Hi Gil, did you get my private email? Just don’t want you thinking that I’m ignoring you. Thanks for the anniversary wishes by the way… and have a GREAT weekend. Mark
I think I got it… depending on which email you’re talking about? But I didn’t think I was being ignored… trust me, I know when I’m being ignored, and when I am, you will hear from me! ;P
Darn it, that’s right… I keep forgetting you’re psychic and connected to my innermost thoughts. I should know better. But if your synapses ever stop firing properly and you wonder if you’re in my mental mush, just ask. You’re definitely in my cerebral soup. Much love to you and great wishes for the weekend. Mark
That indeed is a valuable lesson. Sensitivity is a common trait among authors, and it can be an essential ingredient in storytelling. But it should be confined to the story, not business relationships. It took me a few years to learn that. Yet there are times even now when I have to check myself before responding to dimwitted communications, because from a different perspective, perhaps the dimwit is me!
Hi David. I love it. Hmm. Maybe we should just get rid of sensitivity altogether. Leave no room for it in relationships, either. Just kidding. Mostly. Although I do think there is a benefit to treating those closest to you the same as you would treat people in a business meeting. With respect and dignity, taking turns talking, etc. It sounds cold, but it’s actually the opposite. Anyway, here’s to us all doing our best to be sensitive but not oversensitive… and witted instead of dimwitted! Mark
Mark, I’m looking forward to one of your sessions. Tell me how to proceed.
Thanks!
–DEH
Hi David, looking forward to it. Here’s the link: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. See you soon! And have a great weekend. Mark
Hi Mark,
In the past I submitted a few letters to agents. I figured I would need to send out many more letters, it can be a numbers game some times. However, I was delighted, although they were rejection letters, that the agents took the time to write personal notes, not form letters.
Not everyone is going to appreciate our work. That is where you come into the picture. I believe you will guide us accordingly.
Sincerely,
Jan
Hi Jan, I’m just glad you realize that those personal responses mean you’re doing better than most other authors… who don’t get that kind of reaction. A good thing. Congrats. Have a fantastic weekend. And keep us all posted on your progress. Mark
What a memorable learning tool. Thank you for sharing this experience, Mark. I’m so glad the situation took an upturn for the author.
Please don’t feel down when it’s not possible to send out one of your informative articles. Thankfully, it was for the good reason of being really busy because that’s definitely a whole lot better in the business world than being ‘not busy’. :>
Happy anniversary to you and Ingrid!
Hey Rhymster! It’s always fun connecting with people here on my blog that I’ve already spoken with on the phone. Really feel like I know you now. Well, as much as two people can know each other after an hour of book talk and me looking at your work. 😉 Anyway, thanks for stopping by today to say hello. Glad you liked the article as well. I am pretty tough on myself when it comes to being consistent with my “tribe” of authors. I like connecting with people… plus it’s not good business to create expectations and then break them. What I should have done is just let everyone know I was going to be taking a week off. Then I could have accomplished both things. But I appreciate you saying what you said. And busy is definitely better than wondering what to do next. Thanx for the anniversary wishes as well. Have a great weekend and see you again soon I hope. Mark
Wow Mark, what can I say? First of all, Happy Anniversary! I think I’ll ask a question, instead of
making a comment. When an agent responds to your query letter, by saying, that your book is
not the perfect fit for them, what are they really saying? Does your query letter suck? Synopsis
not detailed enough or maybe too long? This is their polite way of saying………what?
Hi Juanita! Did you get my email that I sent you a while ago… about your coaching time frame question? Just want to make sure. By the way, you can post questions or comments anywhere on my site so no worries about that. When it comes to literary agent feedback, be VERY careful about how you interpret it. It’s a big deal. Dangerous. So much so that I wrote an article about it here: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-feedback/. Let me know what you think. Mark
I think this may be my favorite of all your blog postings. I loved being able to read the actual exchange so transparently, and I totally agree that this famous agent was a class act. And that the author leaned a lot in the process. Perhaps you can let us know how the story ends down the road. Now we are all on the ride, wondering how Agent B will respond, or whether Agent A will have a different view of a revised version, if it doesn’t get signed up by someone else 1st!
Hi Ellen, glad to hear it. Although I’m a little nervous since I haven’t heard back from the author who wrote those emails yet. 😉 But I think I did a good job hiding any telling details so no one will ever know who the person is. It’s important (in my eyes) to share this stuff because, like you said, case studies and example like this (behind the scenes types of things) are really the most revealing. Have a great weekend and see you again soon. Mark
This seems to be a great illustration of one of Don Miguel Ruiz’s “Four Agreements”: Don’t Take Anything Personally – either criticism or praise – as it all stems from the giver’s perspective and really has nothing to do with you at all.
I say take all praise personally, just not the criticism. LOL. I’m joking. Mostly. 😉 Sending you warm wishes (or should I say cool since it was 104 here yesterday afternoon)? Have a wonderful weekend and know that Ingrid and I are always wishing you well. Mark
I should add to my comment–when I said “response,” I meant a brief “thank you for taking the time” (etc.). Not what your client ended up doing!
Thanks again for your site,
Kat
Got it… I read it twice to be sure but that’s what I figured. Thanks for clarifying. 😉 Mark
Hi Mark,
I’m not yet ready to send my book out, but I’ve been loving reading your advice in the meantime however. I just wanted to add to this thread that before working on my book, I was as an editor and had to write tons of rejection letters. I always was touched by a response. I never expected one, but I found it incredibly professional, mature and brave. I think it’s a good idea for a writer to respond, even if it leads to nothing; writing rejections is sad! Responding makes for good karma.
Hi Kat, it’s ok you’re not ready to send your book out… I’m here for the long haul so I’m not going anywhere. And I’m starting to broaden my content so it will appeal to more authors that, like you, aren’t quite at that point yet. I’m glad you’re getting something out of my articles. And I agree that responding to people is good energy. That’s why I respond to everyone personally on my blog. It’s good manners, it’s fun, and you never know where it’s going to lead. Have a great weekend. Mark
Mark,
I am on my tippy-toes waiting for our phone consultation. Rejection does not scare me because I have lived long enough to have a thick crust. (Ah, arthritis and a thick crust–great combo!)
Having your help with my query letter is where I need to start. For a woman with a big mouth who often pens letters to Op-Ed pages, my mouth is shut. My brain is on mute, too.
Gayle
Hi Gayle, I’m looking forward to our call too… and don’t worry I love people with big ideas and big personalities. We’re going to have a great time. And I’ll get you from point A to point B. Have a great weekend and see you soon. Mark
I’ve gotten a good many rejections already from my queries to agents. They’re always polite and quite a few have give me personal comment – which makes me happy. It means they actually considered it and took the time to tell me what they liked or thought. I don’t even respond to rejections unless there is a reason to, and there has only been one reason so far: a typo in the rejection that made me question if they meant me! I’m also saving all my rejection letters so I can print them out to keep.
Yes, I keep them for learning purposes and to look back on in a few years and see how far I’ve come. My acceptance pile now almost matches my rejection pile. Every writer has both. It’s how you look at the rejections that can make the difference. If you apply the advice given, or look at why the story is rejected, you can then have a clear view on what you might need to change. Acceptances just make you feel great, get you published, and let you know when you get your rights back! LOL
Have I told you that I have every rejection letter that I ever received from editors at publishing houses in my office somewhere? It’s a massive box. One day I’m going to share some of them. There are a lot of great lessons to be learned from them. Anyway, appreciate you taking a moment to stop by on a Friday when I know you’re busy. Have a great weekend and talk soon. Mark
I have all mine in envelopes. When one gets stuffed full to where I can’t fit anymore in, I start a new one. LOL My acceptance/contracts folder match or surpass them now. 😀 Rejections can be a real learning benefit if you take them that way.
Maybe I should create a “Rejection MP3” where I just go on and on telling people how bad they are, as a conditioning tool to help toughen people up? Inspired in part by the guest blog post you did for me. Ha ha ha. Just kidding. Hmm. I do like the X-factor of the idea though, the controversy, and the probably viral effect it might have. I’ll have to sleep on this. If I don’t do it for real, maybe as a joke. 😉 Mark
Hey Becca, I know you know this… but I want to make sure everyone else knows. The fact that you’re getting detailed feedback from literary agents means that they’re taking you seriously. A lot of authors don’t realize that and take it for granted. But agents don’t give detailed responses unless they respect what you sent them and want to help you get to the next level. I can’t wait for you to post some good news here soon about your progress. Mark
EXACTLY! I learned this early on with editors. If they took time to comment, it was a big deal. I remember a specific rejection I got from Highlights magazine… They told me to “Keep writing!” and that meant a lot to me. I’ve had others comment on what they liked and didn’t like, and I asked them if I changed the piece, if they’d take it. I got a couple acceptances that way. Being open to revisions is HUGE because not all writers are.
Of all the agent responses I’ve gotten so far, at least half have had personal comments. <3
Love it. EVERYTHING is an opportunity. But only if we think that way.
At least half with personal comments is awesome… as long as you don’t think statements like “Thank you for the opportunity to consider your work…” are personal. Ha ha ha. Mark
Um, well I do have an open offer to send my book to an agent again because of her mistake. 😉 Remember? I jump on opportunity.
LMAO! No, but “definitely have an interesting concept,” etc, are! :p
I didn’t know you had the open offer… I thought they just said it was a mistake and that was that. very cool. Regarding the personalization you’ve got it right… anything positive is personal. Any neutral or negative is “form letter” material. That’s my approach to rejection letters and life! Mark
Well, she responded to my email about the mistake with that it was my book, that she was moving, was interested, but couldn’t. She said to send it again closer to the end of the year if I didn’t have an agent yet. I think she liked that I asked if she had a blog or Twitter account I could follow. 😀
Flattery will get you everywhere with some agents. At least to first base. 😉
Mark – The responses I’ve received to my query letters are so kind; even if not interested. I respond with a one-sentence Thank You to those who allow that. I’m lucky because over my lifetime there have been rejections of all sorts… I take these to heart because right or wrong, I learn a lot about myself; just like the moral of your story. Thank you for the reminder.
Hi Janet… I know that you also have at least one positive reply/request also. So that always helps soften the blow of the other rejection letters. What do you think? One acceptance letter is worth how many rejection letters??? 🙂 Anyway, I’m pulling for you and I know that everyone else here is as well. Thanks for your kind comment and have a wonderful weekend. Mark
Dear Mark,
I am currently working on book two of my Sci-Fi trilogy. My question is this, Is it ok to keep digging for more feed back from a literary agent after they have sent you a rejection along with their reason why? Will it just annoy them? Also should I wait until all three books are done before sending out a query letter?
You really have nothing to lose, so I suggest you do so. Just don’t have high expectations about hearing back. However, every once in a while literary agents will follow up with even more valuable information. And every once in a while it leads to a longer term relationship. Thanks for posting and have a great weekend. Mark
If it feels like a good fit, consider scheduling an introductory call with me here: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. The tone of your letter to those agents needs to be spot on for it to work. I can help you with that but I can also take a look at your query letter and help you improve it. No pressure but I’m here if you need me. Of course you can also continue posting questions on my blog… and I hope you do. Mark 😉
Hi Mark: Thanks for sharing. Interesting, inspiring and very useful information….
And, more importantly, Happy Anniversary!!!
Gloria
Thank you Gloria. And yes, we’re enjoying our “anniversary” all month. Since I’m a love poet I have detailed notes about our entire courtship. Two days ago this month we first met. Yesterday was our first date. Today is when we spent our first whole day together. Oh, I then proposed about two weeks later. 😉 Have a great weekend and thank you for being kind enough to read my posts AND say hello. See you again soon I hope. Mark
Happy Anniversary! Sounds amazing. 🙂 We spent the week together off week for out anni!
A whole week off… hmm… I’m not there yet… although Ingrid doesn’t understand why we can’t take a month off every year during the summer to go to Sweden… without work. But my wee brain is slowly trying to catch up and comprehend such a thing. I did tell you that she is the big thinker in this family didn’t I? Here’s to powerful women. Mark
My hub was the same way about going away for our anniversary. After the first time he was hooked though. LOL Start small… You know, like a week, and build to a month and then you’ll look forward to it every year. 😉
Half a day off is tough. A full day gives me hives. I’ve tried to talk about the possibility of taking more than a day off, but every time I do… I pass out and can’t finish the conversation. Okay, it’s not quite that bad. But almost. 😉 Mark P.S.- I just read our posts to Ingrid… she’s in the other room… we have adjoining offices.
I would much rather have an agent tell me straight up.
The first publisher I worked with kept me in the dark for almost a year, tying up the work. It was a big publisher however, and I thought they were working with my best interests at heart. One day I received an email that he had quit, and a month later the “new” editor emaiiled me to say that they were not interested.
I went right to self publishing and the book is now on Amazon and selling well.
Hi John, agreed… although you definitely have to take all the literary agent feedback with a grain of salt. Literary agents often say during the rejection process simply because they feel like they need to say something. And writers usually put more weight on the comments than they should. Unless an agent gives concrete examples from your work it’s hard to implement changes. And unless you here the same feedback from more than one agent, it’s often wiser not to. Sorry to hear about the experience you had with your publisher, but I’m glad to know it worked out for you in the end. Thanks for posting and have a great weekend. Mark