"Not what we're looking for"

GeneBrighton · Feb 20, 2007

I have had more than one agent respond to my queries with, "... not what we're looking for." One agent was kind enough to add, "... good query and good subject matter." On one hand this rejection made my day. On the other... Huh? I have the distinct impression that the acceptable submission categories, which the agents list and I follow, are somehow different from what they really want. Help me to understand this phenomenon.

ORION · Feb 20, 2007

It means no.

Jamesaritchie · Feb 20, 2007

Rejections

All such wording, whether kind or unkind, whether specific or vague, means the same thing. "I can't sell this work to a publisher." Or, when it comes form a query letter, it always means "You haven't convinced me I can sell your work to a publisher."

If you want to know what they really want, read the novels they've already taken on and sold. That's what they want.

They do want exactly what their guideline categories say they want, but they want it in a certain way. All of it, including the query.

Submissions guidelines are a mere starting point. If all you do is read an agent's guidelines and then submit, finding an agent who will say yes is a crap shoot. Read the novels they've already handled, and read the bestseller lists. That's what they want.

GeneBrighton · Feb 20, 2007

ORION said:
It means no.

You must have heard that a lot to be so definitively authoritative.

GeneBrighton · Feb 20, 2007

Jamesaritchie said:
All such wording, whether kind or unkind, whether specific or vague, means the same thing. "I can't sell this work to a publisher." Or, when it comes form a query letter, it always means "You haven't convinced me I can sell your work to a publisher."

If you want to know what they really want, read the novels they've already taken on and sold. That's what they want.

They do want exactly what their guideline categories say they want, but they want it in a certain way. All of it, including the query.

Submissions guidelines are a mere starting point. If all you do is read an agent's guidelines and then submit, finding an agent who will say yes is a crap shoot. Read the novels they've already handled, and read the bestseller lists. That's what they want.

Thank you for such a thoughtful answer. It is appreciated.

But, if they want what they already have, what has already been done... why do they need me? (Sorry, couldn't help myself.) I strive to be unique, to explore what has yet to be explored, what the others have missed. Yes, I know, find someone who represents the unique. But if they are representing the unique, they are not making money and are not worth my time. It reminds me of a Groucho Marx quote, "I wouldn't join any club that would have me as a member."

AnnieColleen · Feb 20, 2007

GeneBrighton said:
You must have heard that a lot to be so definitively authoritative.

It's pretty common advice (e.g., from agents who blog). The expanded version of that response is that it's generally not helpful to try to analyse generic rejections because there's no way agents/editors can customize every response enough to be helpful.

(and, before you ask...I'm not to the submitting stage yet, so I'm only repeating advice from said experts.

)

victoriastrauss · Feb 20, 2007

AnnieColleen said:
It's pretty common advice (e.g., from agents who blog). The expanded version of that response is that it's generally not helpful to try to analyse generic rejections because there's no way agents/editors can customize every response enough to be helpful.

Agreed. Generic rejections like "it's not what we're looking for" or "not quite right for my list" or "I don't think I could market this effectively" are simply a nicer way of saying no. The agent probably says more or less the same thing to everyone she rejects. You shouldn't read anything particular into it beyond the fact that it's a refusal.

- Victoria

Maprilynne · Feb 20, 2007

GeneBrighton said:
You must have heard that a lot to be so definitively authoritative.

Nah, she's just a fetching genius of a sage.

Maprilynne

Toothpaste · Feb 20, 2007

Gene, when an agent has guidelines and says they represent certain things, it doesn't mean they want the same thing over and over. Voice and style varies greatly within one genre, and surely you would want an agent who understands her particular genre inside and out. Submission guidelines are there to try to level the playing field, so that all extraneous stuff in a letter is gone, and the agent can compare the stories of the writers. That's all.

Please don't analyse a form rejection to death. It really truly means no. Not in a malicious way, not in a sweet way. In a simple, "Not for us" way.

ORION · Feb 21, 2007

Hey? Was I just insulted? I'm not sure (thanks maprilynne!). But to respond to your statement, Gene --
Yes I DID hear it a lot. Over and over seventy odd times. I did not agonize or engage in a dialogue. I moved on and eventually found an agent who loved my writing and sold my novel.
And that's the key.
Don't agonize over no -- instead look for yes.

GeneBrighton · Feb 21, 2007

First, I was not agonizing over "no". I've been with the same woman for thirteen years. I can take "no" for an answer. As stated I was suspicious that agents go by some secret, internal list of suitable categories and wanted some insight. I might have taken the statement as a simple "no" if the agent had not taken the time to add, "good query and good subject matter." I took that to mean, "Keep trying, another agent will like it." However, the repetitive sentiment of "not what we're looking for" or "not on the list" has had me curious for some time. I wanted clarification. James A Richie clarified it exceptionally well. "It means no," was a little short of expectations.

"Not what we're looking for"

GeneBrighton

ORION

Sailed away years ago

Jamesaritchie

GeneBrighton

GeneBrighton

AnnieColleen

Invisible Writer

victoriastrauss

Writer Beware Goddess

Maprilynne

Author Waiting in the Wings

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

ORION

Sailed away years ago

GeneBrighton