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 
Very nice story you have here, sir. I can’t afford all that fancy publishing coach stuff. I’ve had to boot-strap just about everything in my publishing journey, but I do enjoy your thoughts.==
Dr. Hill
Hi Mary, thank you… and I hope you’ll take advantage of the all the other resources we offer (no cost).
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access to all the resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re ever in a position to do so, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day, and weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
If a literary agent sent me a rejection email,yes,it would hurt but,I would rise above it and try again. I would most probably send an email, thanking them for taking the time to read it and for their honesty. Different people take an interest in different stories; its just trying to find the right literary agent that will take an interest in yours truly.
Maggie
Hi Maggie, absolutely, it’s not personal… but it is subjective!
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I am surprised that what appears to be an experienced writer felt it was necessary to defend their skills to a professional agent. My years of leadership in the Corps and management in business would not allow me to even begin to consider the choices made by the writer. As a writer, I’m selling to a prospective agent. It has become very apparent me that the agent is obliterated with presentations. My task is to get the agents attention and have the opportunity for my work to sell the agent
Hi Tom, absolutely, and with that attitude you have a much better chance of making it happen.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
My mother used to tell me: “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
🙂
9 times out of 10, maybe 9.5, that’s the truth!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hey Mark,
I just went through this a few weeks ago, something very similar, and sent to you first for consideration, and we worked this out “off stage” so no drama ensued. I sent a “thank you” note for the agent’s personal consideration—anytime an agent takes the time to give a personal assessment, rather than a form rejection, even if it’s negative, is important information to “bounce” off of, or to learn from. It meant a lot to me that you were there for me as a good buddy/coach.
Hi Richard… I appreciate that more than you know… that’s always the way to go… and most human beings… myself… and agents… respond best to positivity and respect. Your talent, persistence, and kindness make me believe… more than most… you’re going to make it. Keep doing what you’re doing.
And have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Well, while I do not want to be rejected IF I respond to one I will simply say “thank you for your consideration” and move on. Seems silly and quite possibly self defeating to get personal about it. Seems easier to move forward either with other potential literary agents or reworking your submission. Mine will be unique to say the least but I want to be able to get an agents attention as well as a potential reader’s. It was a good article
Thank you P Jared, and that’s definitely the best approach.
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I wonder what Donald Trump would say.
LOL, I have a feeling you already know what he might say. 😉
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Interesting story and a good catch! I am a little surprised that the author didn’t ask the famous literary agent exactly what aspects of his writing ‘did not rise to the premise’. When I read that phrase, I cringed, and wondered exactly what was the famous literary agent expecting, and trying to say to the author? Was this a catch-all phrase in the industry, or was the story written in a manner beneath it’s storyline or subject matter?
Hi Christine, good point, one of my OTHER coaching clients got a rejection this week and asked the agent if she could speak with her on the phone about it for a few minutes to get additional feedback. Believe it or not, the agent agreed. I’m not recommending that, but it underscores the point that not all agents are self-oriented… as some others who’ve left comments seem to believe. Not rising to the premise could mean anything. Check out this article if you haven’t seen it yet: https://literary-agents.com/get-a-literary-agent/literary-agent-feedback/. 😉
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
After submitting many queries to what today is called a literary agent, I have come to the conclusion that many of these agents, 99.9%, are frauds… I am sure the reason they kindly reject so many unread queries is because they themselves know that they are frauds. These gatekeepers are none other than ‘college educated’ wannabes. They are only interested in publishing manuscripts from celebrities or reality stars. God forbid they should take a risk on something other…
In addition: I once got an immediate rejection as in as soon as I hit ‘send’; the rejection came… The rejection was not and did not say that they weren’t accepting queries; it informed me that my work was not right for her!!! I will admit that I have heard of speed reading courses but I do not believe this agent was able to read and evaluate my query in ONE SECOND!
Hi Jonathon,
Most agents, like most other people in most other professions, are decent people. And… some of my coaching clients have gotten POSITIVE responses to queries in 5 minutes or less… so it’s only reasonable to expect some rejections to come in quickly as well. If an agent is reading his or her emails when you query, you can get a fast response. Although one second doesn’t make sense. Either way, stay focused on the positive and what you might be able to do next to increase your chances, or simply self-publish.
Good luck,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Because writing is a business,and being in the work force for years, it is necessary to maintain professionalism at all times. Since writing is his possible lively hood like we all would like, the author is fortunate he wasn’t put on a “blacklist.” In a place of a possible employment, responding like that he’d never get a job. Good thing in his next response he took the high road.
Hi Chuck, great comment… have a great day and weekend… and thanks for posting!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Think of the agent who rejects a best seller. They are the real losers. Move on to the next one.
Amen brother,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I received one of those rejection letters from a well-known literary agent. The fact is, I had been editing my memoir for some time and I finally wrapped it up. I realized later that I should have held onto it and maybe re-evaluated it. The agent was absolutely correct in his evaluation. Once I reviewed the memoir again, the writing was amateurish. I am fixing it and consider his message a learning lesson. If you want to sell your work, you will meet basic mandates of the publishing world.
Hi Jennifer, I love it… I’ve found the responses to this article to be very revealing. People like you… who tend to be polite, positive, and productive… are much more likely to be successful. Thank you for sharing!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
LOL! I know, I’m a jerk for finding humor in the above fiasco. I have received scores of rejection letters and being new to the query letter process the first few stung a little but after that it was more like “whatever.” One thing I will say is that I have been confounded by the fact that many lit agents seem to classify themselves as educators first and agents second. Because of this they are turning away a whole slew of great stories and their tellers. The AAR is for agents not authors *wink
Hi Tim, no harm in that… if we can’t all laugh at ourselves… the world becomes uptight. 😉
Have a great day, and weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
The notion that all writers should act like polite zombies in the face of rejection is itself puerile/limiting/stilted. One would be wise, in this context, to examine the power dynamics manifest: what is an agent? An omniscient almighty power who knows absolute best for absolute everyone? That is ridiculous. Refined knowledge about particular markets and concomitant expertise . . . should be kept in perspective. After a minimal level, it comes down to personal taste, aesthetics, agendas, fads.
No, you don’t have to act like a zombie. However, if you work for a corporation as a content writer and they don’t like your writing, they demand you fix it. What is the difference if literary agents or publishers demand the same? It may be personal taste and that leaves the author figuring out the “why” in the rejection. Or, it may be that your writing really is amateurish. Never be so quick to dismiss the value of a rejection.
Well said Jennifer… I know how frustrating it can be for authors to get form letters, critiques, and rejections (as a former agent I’ve gotten more rejections than any author)… but I also know there’s no benefit to focusing on anything except staying polite, positive, and productive. 🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
However, if you work for a corporation as a content writer and they don’t like your writing, they demand you fix it. What is the difference if literary agents or publishers demand the same? **** precisely my point . . . thank you . . .
Hi Maria,
I don’t recall any mention of zombies in my article…. but I understand there are many reasons someone might not want to listen to an agent’s experience and expertise. However, if that’s how you feel, don’t submit your work to agents. Self-publish. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Good luck,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
you didn’t mention zombies. but I did. 🙂 let me put it another way: the gentleman’s response (despite being very heated) also serves a purpose in the bigger scheme of things (power structures and conformity for example). Personally, I think bad crit — good. Any crit has some value in that it forces one to re-examine one’s own enigmas, assumptions, aesthetics, foibles. The problem is when *expertise* is passed off tacitly as an absolute. We forget to question thetacits;becomecastrated,cutoffat
Well said…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark
I had a good laugh over the email correspondence. The gall of the author but I like the restraint and understanding which the agent responded with. I didn’t think the author had the maturity to deal with rejection while the agent had it to respond appropriately. Agent’s opinions of one’s writing etc are always subjective and authors need to understand that and not think that all agents share the same opinion. Detachment helps keep things in perspective for author and agent.
Hi Saw Lian, I like making you laugh so all is well with me today. 😉 I, too, was impressed with the restraint shown by the literary agent. It would have been so easy for him to have blasted the author instead. I like your thoughts about agents’ opinions being subjective as well. I need to write an article about that at some point, with some good examples. Make sure you check out the post I’m sending out later this morning… a video interview of top agents discussing the latest trends. Mark
Detachment. That’s the key.Artistic temperaments and detachment are like oil and water. That’s why it’s so important to develop the entrepreneurial aspect of being a sel-employed writer.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
For me, Mark, this was by far your best featured article! My mouth dropped all the way to the floor! This is a great example of what not to do when you take rejection from an agent this personal. It got him nowhere and he ended up looking like a fool. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Ron, sorry I’m slow to respond… been a busy week. I loved your response. It’s funny, but you never know what is going to resonate with people most. I’m glad this particular article hit your sweet spot and you found it helpful… especially since I was nervous about sharing it. I didn’t want to hurt the author’s feelings. But it is anonymous after all, and you know what they say… the things we’re most scared to write are what we should write. Mark
Also, make sure you check out the post I’m sending out later this morning… a video interview of top agents discussing the latest trends. Mark
Yeah, knee-jerk reactions are nine times out of ten the wrong thing to do or say. I understand, I hate rejection, but you have to ask yourself if your words will damage your chances. Sometimes we see the point of the rejection after we mouth off. Then a face-palm ensues. He turned out to be lucky. Which I hope serves as a lesson. Those are the best ones learned, the hard way. Best of luck, it looks like he has a good chance.
Hi Dale, hope you’re having a great week. I like your face-palm imagery, haven’t seen that before. Well, not on paper anyway. Or should I say… computer screen? 😉 Here’s to no knee-jerk reactions. Although they are kind of fun sometimes in the sense that they get the adrenaline flowing. But there are better ways to get a rush. Hey, check out the blog post I’m sending out later this am. It’s the video you shared with me a while back. And I gave you credit. Have a good weekend! Mark
SWEEEET! Checking it out now :^)
Mark, I have written children’s books, mainly picture books, like hundreds of others, but it is very difficult to find an agent interested in them. I guess I need to query more, and more often. I enjoyed the exchange above and I do send thank you for rejection. I also enter dozens of writers’ contests and attend writers’ conferences, hoping to catch the eye of an agent. What else?
Hi Elizabeth, you’re doing all the right things. There are three options: 1) Send out more queries, 2) Improve your manuscript, and/or 3) Improve your query. I can help you with the latter. You might want to consider scheduling an introductory consulting call with me. You can learn more here: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. Also, make sure you check out the post I’m sending out later this morning… a video interview of top agents discussing the latest trends. Mark
Burning bridges is not a good thing, but this turn out well.
Hi Susen, it did… didn’t it? Sorry it took me so long to reply. It’s because I’ve been so busy talking to authors on the phone, like YOU. Anyway, good to see you here on my blog. 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
that was a bad rejection? if I got a such arejection note, I am happy because I know I did a lot of things right.
A great many great writers in English actually never completed formal education, including Dickens. If you are looking for a publisher, it seems reasonable to have some control over the language.
Rejection is just part of life. Watched Austen Seaholm go splat on floor today like Roadrunner cartoon, but he’s great skater. He just gets up and goes splat again. Street style splat.
Hi Pogo, I know… I know… it’s been 13 days since you posted this. It doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate you; it means I’m trying to keep up with my 1-on-1 coaching clients. 😉 Thank you for bringing up the fact that many published authors don’t have a stellar education. Probably something most people don’t realize. Same way in business. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs never got a business (or even a college) degree. Mark
Mark, no reason to apologize to me. I understand overload and crisis. I learned bout busy signals on party lines as a kid. I might have somebody for you, but is for your business and not author, but somebody who is setting up review service. When overload hits, just put a notice or busy signal and we understand. what you give is more valuable than time. “out-to-Lunch” sign completely acceptable. I know the same stress in my life. I’ve 700photos to edit in Alamy-title, description +indexing
Meanwhile, I’ve 2 other agencies demanding photography and asking about delay, but I shot 3day WC Skateboard event =2wks processing and everything else has to be done too. I am hanging work here in an office, 3photos go to NY and there are bugs in the fields who are yelling my name to come visit… the gov blocked account, the bills must be paid, the body revolts, etc. So I go shoot bugs today and tomorrow, Monday so they are happy. Stress is unreal, but world never stops. It’s crazy here, too.
Hi Pogo, I appreciate it. Glad to hear that you are busy as well. Not that busy is always good. But busy is better than bored. Have a great weekend, and happy indexing. 😉 Mark
I forgot one that would surprise you– i sent article proposal to top tier mag as I have photos they would appreciate. On simple inquiry, they responded not once, but twice with interest. It was something I have very little expertise. When I do photography, I shoot things often opportune–in this case World Cup freestyle aerobatics. If I have opportunity to chat with world class pilots, I use it. I’m learning. I now have pipeline for brief proposals, so can announce shoots for serious $$.
Also, 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
Not so much latest trends– Some have been in their offices too long when they finally take notice of a book selling 1m copies on Amazon. Shows the huge gap between traditional /electronic publishing industry. They are behind 13yrs at least. I remember when Inkwell started because they were hungry. Most chatter wasn’t anything surprising to me. I spent far too much time in writer’s forums and online world to be surprised. No surprises here. Maybe I’m abnormal.
Maybe more educated than the average author. Mark