Full rejected w/o comment

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

An agent who had my first three chaps and query requested the full. Ended up passing on the full...

...While we found it to have potential, I'm afraid it doesn't fit what we are looking for.

What are they really trying to say?

Tks.

Terie · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey said:
An agent who had my first three chaps and query requested the full. Ended up passing on the full...

...While we found it to have potential, I'm afraid it doesn't fit what we are looking for.

What are they really trying to say?

Tks.

"No, thank you."

That's it. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to read more into it than that. Eat some chocolate, throw some pillows at the wall, have a long soak in the tub, and send out more queries.

Mr. Anonymous · Aug 9, 2010

Same thing happened to me a while ago. "Although we loved the concept, we found the execution to be off." You just have to shrug it off.

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

I've heard of other writers receiving detailed feedback. That happen for anyone here?

DoctorMandaBenson · Aug 9, 2010

It could mean any number of things. It could be there is nothing wrong with it, but the agent just didn't have the room to accommodate another client. It could be the agent thought there were problems with it, but had no time to write you a critique or operates a zero feedback policy.

Either way, there's nothing you can do about it. Send your query to another agent.

Aldrey said:
An agent who had my first three chaps and query requested the full. Ended up passing on the full...

...While we found it to have potential, I'm afraid it doesn't fit what we are looking for.

What are they really trying to say?

Tks.

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

Is it literary-incorrect to ask for feedback.

Cricket18 · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey said:
I've heard of other writers receiving detailed feedback. That happen for anyone here?

I got both. The boilerplate stuff you just have to shrug off.

Detailed feedback is worth thinking about. Then you have to decide if it makes sense to you.

I'm sorry for the pass. *hugs*

Onward, right?

brainstorm77 · Aug 9, 2010

Yes, I have. It's great to get feedback and sometimes it helps, but ultimately it's still a no. Just keep at it. What's not for one agent could be gold for another.

DoctorMandaBenson · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey said:
I've heard of other writers receiving detailed feedback. That happen for anyone here?

Yes, I've had an agent reject a full because it was too 'science fictiony' for what she wanted to take on, and another agent rejected a full on a children's book because she thought it was too mucky and yucky (physically dirty rather than sexually! xD). I also had one reject a synopsis and 3-chapter sample saying she really liked the writing but was going to pass on it for 'other reasons'. In these circumstances also there is nothing you can do about it, apart from send it to more agents in the hope that one will like it. Agents are entitled to their own tastes and opinions.

Terie · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey said:
Is it literary-incorrect to ask for feedback.

Yes. Very much so.

BenPanced · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey said:
I've heard of other writers receiving detailed feedback. That happen for anyone here?

As other have mentioned, they have received feedback. But...

Aldrey said:
Is it literary-incorrect to ask for feedback.

Very incorrect. Agents are not obligated to provide feedback and if they don't, it's incredibly awkward if you put them on the spot by writing back and asking for it. Accept the rejection at face value and move on to the next person on your list.

Phaeal · Aug 9, 2010

Agents are only obligated to give feedback to their clients. If one gives you feedback before you're a client, it's a gift.

Asking for gifts (especially from strangers) is always bad form.

Ryan_Sullivan · Aug 9, 2010

Bear in mind that requesting a full isn't the same as reading one. Some agents request mostly or all fulls, so they have it there if they want it, but then only read as much as they need to make a decision. So, in this case, they probably didn't read the whole thing. And, usually they reserve comments for people who they'd like to resubmit. That said, it really does suck to have it rejected in a form manner without any personalization.

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

I asked the agent if they would be willing to give me feedback. I also mentioned I would be open to revisions. They gave me feedback and said they would take another look if I decide to make the revisions. I have one other full out and two partials out. I will wait to see what other responses I get. Hopefully I'll get offer(s) from the other three. Possible scenarios in order of preference:

1) Loved it from beginning to end I want to rep you.
2) I loved it and am going to rep you. However, you will need to make some changes before I begin submitting.
3) Want to rep you but I need you to make revisions before I sign you. If I'm satisfied with manu after rewrite I will sign you.
4) Not right for us at this time...if I get this, I will ask for feedback and will ask for permission to resubmit.

It will be interesting to see if I get overlapping comments!!! Whatever happens, I'm going to work my butt off to get my manu to the next level!

IceCreamEmpress · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey, please do NOT ask agents who rejected you for more feedback. I realize you have already done this once, but it's not appropriate or professional, so please don't do it again.

You got your feedback; the feedback is that they don't want to represent your book. Agents are not critique services.

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

IceCreamExpress, yes I got my feedback. Specific feedback and an invitation to resubmit. There are exceptions to every rule. I'll keep you abreast.

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

Apologies on name---IceCreamEmpress, not Express.

stormie · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey--you got a lot of very professional advice here. Yes, there's always the exception to the rule, and you happened upon an agent who remembered your ms. and is willing to take the time out of her extremely busy day to answer you and reconsider.

Most agents would frown on what you did. And they do talk among themselves. And blog about it. A writer really doesn't want his or her name looking bad at the get-go.

ETA: it can happen to get a form rejection on a full. You have to learn to let go and move on.Other agents might give their reasons for passing.

Aldrey · Aug 9, 2010

Stormie, point well taken. Thanks so much.

IceCreamEmpress · Aug 9, 2010

Aldrey said:
IceCreamExpress, yes I got my feedback. Specific feedback and an invitation to resubmit. There are exceptions to every rule. I'll keep you abreast.

If you keep doing this very unprofessional thing, you are not always going to encounter people who cut you a break for your lack of professionalism.

Seriously, asking agents to expand on their feedback is Not Cool. I'm glad this particular agent was understanding about it this one time, but he or she is definitely an exception. I would strongly encourage you not to plan to do it for every rejection, as you suggested above.

Or, in other words, what Stormie said.

Aldrey · Aug 10, 2010

IceCreamEmpress, as previously mentioned, I got the point ALREADY. You seem to be taking this very personally. It's okay. Take it easy. It's my life and my book. It's not a life or death matter. I haven't committed a crime. I am so glad I did what I did in this instance before mentioning it here on the site. Sometimes we can be a bit dogmatic about things. Remember, it's not what you say, it's how you say it, and you can learn something from Stormie when it comes to diplomacy. I'm a grown woman, and I make my own decisions, and I'm woman enough to live with the consequences. You can make suggestions, but don't tell me what to do. You're not my mother. Your unprofessional condescending tone is not appreciated--in your words " "It's Not Cool."

katiemac · Aug 10, 2010

Aldrey, the members of this forum are only trying to help you. You're free to do what you want, of course, but you asked a question and they took time out of their days to answer it for you. There is no need to be so defensive--that is not appreciated, either.

For the record I do not believe IceCreamEmpress was being condescending.

brainstorm77 · Aug 10, 2010

Aldrey said:
IceCreamEmpress, as previously mentioned, I got the point ALREADY. You seem to be taking this very personally. It's okay. Take it easy. It's my life and my book. It's not a life or death matter. I haven't committed a crime. I am so glad I did what I did in this instance before mentioning it here on the site. Sometimes we can be a bit dogmatic about things. Remember, it's not what you say, it's how you say it, and you can learn something from Stormie when it comes to diplomacy. I'm a grown woman, and I make my own decisions, and I'm woman enough to live with the consequences. You can make suggestions, but don't tell me what to do. You're not my mother. Your unprofessional condescending tone is not appreciated--in your words " "It's Not Cool."

Wow, that wasn't called for.

Aldrey · Aug 10, 2010

Brainstorm 77, what wasn't called for was for IceCreamEmpress to beat a dead horse. I had already said I got the point after Stormie commented. She told me to NOT (see below comments) ask for feedback...she told me it was not appropriate or professional. I got it and then Stormie added comments. There was no need for IceCreamEmpress to hit me over the head again! What she said was meanspirited.

"You got your feedback; the feedback is that they don't want to represent your book. Agents are not critique services."

What a nasty thing to say. As writers we get enough rejection. I don't need it from the site as well. "You got your feedback; the feedback is that they don't want to represent your book." Who needs to hear that. That's a given.

And for the record, the last thing I did before I was scolded was comment that I had asked for feedback and I gave the results. I didn't ask for feedback on what I had done. My original question was about not getting feedback and people responded to that. If I had known I would have been attacked I would have left it at that. There's a reason it says be gentle with newbies.
============================================================

Aldrey, please do NOT ask agents who rejected you for more feedback. I realize you have already done this once, but it's not appropriate or professional, so please don't do it again.

You got your feedback; the feedback is that they don't want to represent your book. Agents are not critique services.

brainstorm77 · Aug 10, 2010

Sorry, but I don't think someone saying that is nasty. I don't see it. We'll have to agree to dissagree on this one.

When you post here, you will open yourself up to all type of responses, even ones you don't want to hear. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, it's prob best to let a mod deal with it.

Full rejected w/o comment

Writer in the making

Writer is as Writer does

Just a guy with a pen & a delusion

Writer in the making

Writer in the making

Gnawing my hairless tail

practical experience, FTW

Writer is as Writer does

THE BLUEBERRY QUEEN OF HADES (he/him)

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

Agented YA Writer

Writer in the making

Hapless Virago

Writer in the making

Writer in the making

storm central

Writer in the making

Hapless Virago

Writer in the making

Five by Five

practical experience, FTW

Writer in the making

practical experience, FTW