I submitted to her in the middle of December. Sent her a query, synopsis & first 3 chapters. I just got an email from her this morning. Here it is.
Dear (me),
Thank you for submitting (title). Whilst I enjoyed reading your work I am afraid that I am unable to offer you representation at this time as I feel that your manuscript isn't quite the right fit for our list.
I can assure you that a great deal of thought goes into each and every decision made and in order to take on a writer I need to feel one hundred percent sure about the material to give it the best possible chance to succeed in an increasingly competitive and cut throat market.
While your work isn't right for us I believe that you will greatly increase your chances of securing an agent if your work undergoes a general edit.
I advise you contact Kathryn Robinson and Helen Corner at Cornerstones Literary Consultancy
www.cornerstones.co.uk Please mention I advised you get in touch.
I am sorry to disappoint you and wish you the very best of luck in securing an agent to champion your work and find you a publisher.
With best wishes,
Mariam Keen - Managing Director
Whispering Buffalo Literary Agency Ltd
97 Chesson Road
London
W14 9QS
This is the first kind of email like this I've received from any agent. I've got a few partials & some fulls out to some very good agents, and I've had flat-out turn downs, but I have yet to get an email referring me to a consultant for edits.
I have to say this does not set well with me. Add to the fact (from what I've read here), she doesn't like to list her clients or their books.
Given, I don't know if this consultant charges (haven't bothered to call & find out), but I'd bet my best nickel she does. Since Ms. Keen asked me to let this agency know she sent me, could mean she's getting a kick-back herself.
Just wanted to let everyone know here.
Donnette Smith
www.freewebs.com/romanceauthor
www.myspace.com/storycreater