Puzzled by rejection

gurnie · Oct 1, 2007

So i got a very nice rejection letter today but it left me alittle puzzled:

"Thanks so much for thinking of me for CINDY'S CHRISTMAS. Although it sounds very cute, at 1,900 words it's coming in a bit too long for a picture book and too short for an early reader - unfortunately I will have to pass, but I appreciate the opportunity to consider your work and wish the best of luck and all success,

Agent X"

I thought 1,900 words is perfect length for an early reader...

At least comments have gone from "Nope, not right for us. Leave us alone" to "sounds cute..."

Would it be rude to ask what his recommended word length is (its not posted on the site) or just thank him for the opportunity?

Chicken Warrior · Oct 1, 2007

I would probably leave it unless you revise it to make it longer. Different agents have different lengths. I've come across agents who require 80,000 for YA fiction (!!!). And quite frankly, you probably don't want an agent who interprets a genre so differently from you (although I realize length isn't really a big issue).

Congrats on the letter though – keep those subs up!

Lauri B · Oct 1, 2007

I think he was saying "no," nicely.

MsJudy · Oct 1, 2007

Have you checked out the Accelerated Reader website?

http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp#quicksearch

Just type in a title, click on it and you get the word count. Frog and Toad books are slightly over 2000 words; Junie B. Jones are 6000-7000. Those are both considered early readers, grades second and third.

You can use this to see where your book fits, and that will help you decide whether the agent was giving helpful advice or not.

Puzzled by rejection

gurnie

Chicken Warrior

Ahead of Your Time

Lauri B

I Heart Mac

MsJudy