D4EO Literary Partners (Robert Diforio)

smallthunder · 04-08-2005, 08:38 AM

Greetings --

I just heard back from Bob Diforio, who asked for the first three chapters of my novel a little while ago. He is the first agent who has read chapters and gotten back to me. I have two questions -- the first: How should I interpret his e-mail rejection? That is, he wrote:

Dear Nadine -

Thanks for the look. I have to pass, as I am simply
swamped with work at present. As is attested by the fact
that it took me two weeks to get back to you.

I wish you every success with another agent.

Best,

Bob

Should I take solace in the fact he didn't pan my novel, tell me to take up knitting instead of writing? Or is he such a nice guy -- which seems very possible -- that this is actually what his message means?

Second question: I've had a good feeling about Bob Diforio from the beginning -- maybe it's just something about guys named "Bob"? No, really -- my second question is: Is it proper/appropriate to ask him if he would consider my book again sometime in the future? That is, if no one else wants to represent me by a certain date he suggests is more convenient for him?

Any/all advice gratefully accepted!

sarbruis · 04-08-2005, 09:54 AM

There's nothing you can interpret. The book wasn't right for him. That's what just about every single agent will tell you. Don't look into rejections too much. There's very likely nothing there except a bunch of words that everyone else gets (ie, a form rejection). Unless it's a personal hand-written note that references your specific novel, just keep writing and writing and writing and sending more and more queries and whatnot out until you get an agent that wants to represent you.

For your second question: If he doesn't want it now, he probably isn't going to want it two months from now. You can query him again, but you'll just get the same response, and he'll most likely recognize the title (or your name or the query) unless it's been quite a while. If you want to change the story dramatically, then send it again, but only if there're major differences that may change his mind. He's a legitimate agent though; he reps that Treasure Trove book that's sold a zillion copies about the real-life treasure hunt.

smallthunder · 04-08-2005, 10:12 AM

Thanks, Sarbrius, for your input -- kinda silly of me to try and read into such an innocuous e-mail rejection, no? I guess I was expecting "no, thanks" or "not really my cuppa" and the "too busy" bit threw me. That, and the fact he was the agent I had most wanted to work with ... now, I'll just sit here and wait for the others to get back to me ... doing my best to appear more worldly wise ... jaded ...

Kasey Mackenzie · 04-08-2005, 07:39 PM

It's perfectly proper to query the same agent a second time, however, from what I've read _not_ with the same book. If you really want this particular agent, I would polish up a different work, wait at least a few months, and then send him the second work along with a different query letter. In the meantime, I would continue querying other reputable agents. Perhaps you'll find another agent that's a great fit for you. If not, you've lost nothing in the interim. Good luck!

maestrowork · 04-08-2005, 10:54 PM

It's a "no." Send the ms out again. I find it counter-productive to try to interpret a rejection.

Julie Worth · 04-08-2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallthunder

I wish you every success with another agent.

This is the only line of importance.

HConn · 04-08-2005, 11:17 PM

Rejectomancy is a fine old tradition. It's rarely fruitful, though.

I would send him a brief thank-you note, saying "Thanks for taking the time to consider my work," and little else.

Good luck.

KTC · 04-08-2005, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maestrowork

It's a "no." Send the ms out again. I find it counter-productive to try to interpret a rejection.

Truer words have never been spoken..er, typed. I'd like to add that I think 2 weeks is pretty zippy...from the little experience I have with waiting on replies from agents.

Just re-send to another agent. And the best of luck to you!

triceretops · 04-09-2005, 05:04 AM

This rejection is too lean to read anything in to it. Something more substantial might point you into a more helpful re-write.

Tri

Crunchy Frog · 04-09-2005, 07:36 AM

Bob Diforio was the agent who sold Bob "not the poet" Bly's manuscript about hot dogs to PublishAmerica.

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 05:11 AM

Anybody know anything about DE40? Do they sell to major publishing houses?

Thanks guys. What would I do without you!

Julie Worth · 09-11-2007, 05:17 AM

There's already a thread: <snipped>

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 07:02 AM

What is this about the Hotdog manuscript and Publish America. That scares me . . . anyone have any info on this? Is this group legit?

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 07:05 AM

Thanks Julie. I posted on that old thread but it's not showing up yet. Do you know if Bob Diforio is legit?

Dawno · 09-11-2007, 07:17 AM

Julie, it's ok to post a thread in this forum asking for references on an agent (unless there's already a thread *here* and I did a search, I didn't find one). The other thread is in Novels and not specifically about D4EO but rather asking for input on a rejection from him. I should go check the index...brb.

yes, there's an old locked one - http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=915

not much info there, at the time he looked ok.

ChaosTitan · 09-11-2007, 07:33 AM

I don't know the story, but if it's about PubliSHAMerica, it's definitely not legit.

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 09:19 AM

Thanks Dawn! This thread is very helpful. I read something on the thread that Julie gave me about them selling something to PA . . . I couldn't find any proof to back that up - but PA in any sentence sends me running away quickly! =) Maybe one of you mods can look at that thread for me and see what you guys think?

Their sales records on Publishers Marketplace show three New York Best Sellers . . . which is rather tempting I must admit. I just don't see how someone who sells a NY best seller . . . would be associated with PA?

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 09:22 AM

Thanks Titan. I can't find any proof to back that up . . . and the link with that PA comment shows nothing. They are recommended by Preditors and Editors and show three NY best sellers on their sales record along with many others. Everything else I've seen is so postive . . . that PA comment just threw me for a loop! If anyone can back up that PA thread . . .let me know. That's scary.

Julie Worth · 09-11-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawno

Julie, it's ok to post a thread in this forum asking for references on an agent (unless there's already a thread *here* and I did a search, I didn't find one). The other thread is in Novels and not specifically about D4EO but rather asking for input on a rejection from him. I should go check the index...brb.

yes, there's an old locked one - http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=915

not much info there, at the time he looked ok.

Sorry. I didn't notice it was in novels.

Manat · 09-11-2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crunchy Frog

Bob Diforio was the agent who sold Bob "not the poet" Bly's manuscript about hot dogs to PublishAmerica.

What? That seems a little hard to swallow. He was 17 years at NAL, part of it as CEO, and he's repped Clive Cussler, and he has sales to everyone, Pocket, Signet NAL etc. I'm pretty sure not to publish america. You can't make a sale to them anyway can you? I thought they sell to you.

Manat · 09-11-2007, 03:58 PM

Bob is completely legit. He was at NAL 17 years for a time as VP sales and also as President and CEO. He reps fiction and non fiction, has repped Clive Cussler, has authors on the NYT list, has tons of sales and rights sales etc.

* as to the PA stuff. I'm assuming the poster might have been confusing selling a book to publish america, with listing a sale on publisher's marketplace.

Julie Worth · 09-11-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrookieCookie777

Thanks Titan. I can't find any proof to back that up . . . and the link with that PA comment shows nothing. They are recommended by Preditors and Editors and show three NY best sellers on their sales record along with many others. Everything else I've seen is so postive . . . that PA comment just threw me for a loop! If anyone can back up that PA thread . . .let me know. That's scary.

He's sold several Bob Bly books, and Bly has one book that was recently published by PA. This was All-American Frank. Odd, but the sales aren't that bad for a PA book (possibly because it's linked to a more popular book).

David McAfee · 09-11-2007, 04:13 PM

If it helps, they rejected my query, so you know they don't take every writer who contacts them.

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 06:07 PM

Thanks guys. I agree. That was quite odd - with all their sales, they are hard to irnore however. Does everyone think they are reliable?

BrookieCookie777 · 09-11-2007, 06:09 PM

Thanks guys. Makes me feel much better. I'll keep you guys posted. I don't know what I'd do without my friends at AW! =)

God bless you all!

04-08-2005, 08:38 AM	#1
smallthunder Ruled by Dachshunds Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New to Portland, OREGON Posts: 668	Bob Diforio/d4eo Greetings -- I just heard back from Bob Diforio, who asked for the first three chapters of my novel a little while ago. He is the first agent who has read chapters and gotten back to me. I have two questions -- the first: How should I interpret his e-mail rejection? That is, he wrote: Dear Nadine - Thanks for the look. I have to pass, as I am simply swamped with work at present. As is attested by the fact that it took me two weeks to get back to you. I wish you every success with another agent. Best, Bob Should I take solace in the fact he didn't pan my novel, tell me to take up knitting instead of writing? Or is he such a nice guy -- which seems very possible -- that this is actually what his message means? Second question: I've had a good feeling about Bob Diforio from the beginning -- maybe it's just something about guys named "Bob"? No, really -- my second question is: Is it proper/appropriate to ask him if he would consider my book again sometime in the future? That is, if no one else wants to represent me by a certain date he suggests is more convenient for him? Any/all advice gratefully accepted!

04-08-2005, 09:54 AM	#2
sarbruis New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13	There's nothing you can interpret. The book wasn't right for him. That's what just about every single agent will tell you. Don't look into rejections too much. There's very likely nothing there except a bunch of words that everyone else gets (ie, a form rejection). Unless it's a personal hand-written note that references your specific novel, just keep writing and writing and writing and sending more and more queries and whatnot out until you get an agent that wants to represent you. For your second question: If he doesn't want it now, he probably isn't going to want it two months from now. You can query him again, but you'll just get the same response, and he'll most likely recognize the title (or your name or the query) unless it's been quite a while. If you want to change the story dramatically, then send it again, but only if there're major differences that may change his mind. He's a legitimate agent though; he reps that Treasure Trove book that's sold a zillion copies about the real-life treasure hunt. __________________ The capybara is the largest rodent in the animal kingdom. The above is an overweight prairie dog, but you get the idea. --"Giraffes? Giraffes!" Last edited by sarbruis; 04-08-2005 at 09:57 AM.

04-08-2005, 10:12 AM	#3
smallthunder Ruled by Dachshunds Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New to Portland, OREGON Posts: 668	Clearly new to this Thanks, Sarbrius, for your input -- kinda silly of me to try and read into such an innocuous e-mail rejection, no? I guess I was expecting "no, thanks" or "not really my cuppa" and the "too busy" bit threw me. That, and the fact he was the agent I had most wanted to work with ... now, I'll just sit here and wait for the others to get back to me ... doing my best to appear more worldly wise ... jaded ...

04-08-2005, 07:39 PM	#4
Kasey Mackenzie Cover Karma - 3 for 3 KICK@$$! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 1,226	It's perfectly proper to query the same agent a second time, however, from what I've read _not_ with the same book. If you really want this particular agent, I would polish up a different work, wait at least a few months, and then send him the second work along with a different query letter. In the meantime, I would continue querying other reputable agents. Perhaps you'll find another agent that's a great fit for you. If not, you've lost nothing in the interim. Good luck! __________________ Good things come to those who wait...and work their tails off!!! Black-Hearted Betrayal - Penguin/Ace June 26, 2012.

04-08-2005, 10:54 PM	#5
maestrowork Fear the Death Ray Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: wgasa Posts: 43,746	It's a "no." Send the ms out again. I find it counter-productive to try to interpret a rejection. __________________ I didn't want to work. It was as simple as that. I distrusted work, disliked it. I thought it was a very bad thing that the human race had unfortunately invented for itself. -- Agatha Christie The Pacific Between • A Bunch of Stories (2006 IPPY Award) WIP: Beyond the Banyan Tree - draft 9, 125,000 words Home Page \| Blog \| Reviews

04-08-2005, 11:17 PM	#7
HConn Whore for genre Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Inside a cursed painting Posts: 810	Rejectomancy is a fine old tradition. It's rarely fruitful, though. I would send him a brief thank-you note, saying "Thanks for taking the time to consider my work," and little else. Good luck. __________________ Look for CHILD OF FIRE from Del Rey! Read a sample chapter. Hey! it's been named to Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2009 list! Book 2 in the Twenty Palaces series: GAME OF CAGES. or check out these sample chapters.

04-09-2005, 05:04 AM	#9
triceretops Super Browser Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 10,194	This rejection is too lean to read anything in to it. Something more substantial might point you into a more helpful re-write. Tri __________________ BLOG http://guerrillawarfareforwriters.blogspot.com/ WAR GATE http://www.amazon.com/The-War-Gate-e...9233675&sr=1-1 WOLFEN STRAIN http://www.amazon.com/The-Wolfen-Str...vglnk-c1189-20 Planet Janitor.

04-09-2005, 07:36 AM	#10
Crunchy Frog New Fish; Learning About Thick Skin Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: WA Posts: 48	FYI... Bob Diforio was the agent who sold Bob "not the poet" Bly's manuscript about hot dogs to PublishAmerica. __________________ CRUNCHY

09-11-2007, 05:11 AM	#11
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	D4EO Literary Partners (Robert Diforio) Anybody know anything about DE40? Do they sell to major publishing houses? Thanks guys. What would I do without you! __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

09-11-2007, 05:17 AM	#12
Julie Worth What? I have a title? Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Posts: 5,199	There's already a thread: <snipped> Last edited by CaoPaux; 10-27-2011 at 10:29 PM. Reason: threads merged

09-11-2007, 07:02 AM	#13
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	What is this about the Hotdog manuscript and Publish America. That scares me . . . anyone have any info on this? Is this group legit? __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

09-11-2007, 07:05 AM	#14
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	Thanks Julie. I posted on that old thread but it's not showing up yet. Do you know if Bob Diforio is legit? __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

09-11-2007, 07:17 AM	#15
Dawno I Haz Most Wonderful Daughter EVAR SuperModerator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: someplace around here, anyone seen my keys? Posts: 11,240	Julie, it's ok to post a thread in this forum asking for references on an agent (unless there's already a thread here and I did a search, I didn't find one). The other thread is in Novels and not specifically about D4EO but rather asking for input on a rejection from him. I should go check the index...brb. yes, there's an old locked one - http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=915 not much info there, at the time he looked ok. __________________ Blame Dawno Dawno's Blogs: NVNC ID VIDES, NVNC NE VIDES, Dawno's Beaded Lanyards & Jewelry Attending a writers conference or other convention? Visit Dawno's Art Fire store for jewelry style lanyards, handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets. I Tweet (sporadically) Last edited by Dawno; 09-11-2007 at 07:21 AM.

09-11-2007, 07:33 AM	#16
ChaosTitan Around AW Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The not-so-distant future Posts: 15,461	I don't know the story, but if it's about PubliSHAMerica, it's definitely not legit. __________________ Blog: Organized Chaos \| Pinterest \| Facebook \| Website \| Twitter "Holy fck!" --Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks, on CHANGELING. The public doesn't trust them. The government wants to control them. Being a superhero has never been this hard, especially for Tempest.*--Coming April 22, 2013 from Pocket Star.

09-11-2007, 09:19 AM	#17
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	Thanks Dawn! This thread is very helpful. I read something on the thread that Julie gave me about them selling something to PA . . . I couldn't find any proof to back that up - but PA in any sentence sends me running away quickly! =) Maybe one of you mods can look at that thread for me and see what you guys think? Their sales records on Publishers Marketplace show three New York Best Sellers . . . which is rather tempting I must admit. I just don't see how someone who sells a NY best seller . . . would be associated with PA? __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

09-11-2007, 09:22 AM	#18
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	Thanks Titan. I can't find any proof to back that up . . . and the link with that PA comment shows nothing. They are recommended by Preditors and Editors and show three NY best sellers on their sales record along with many others. Everything else I've seen is so postive . . . that PA comment just threw me for a loop! If anyone can back up that PA thread . . .let me know. That's scary. __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

09-11-2007, 03:58 PM	#21
Manat practical experience, FTW Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Right next to the Atlantic Ocean Posts: 312	Bob is completely legit. He was at NAL 17 years for a time as VP sales and also as President and CEO. He reps fiction and non fiction, has repped Clive Cussler, has authors on the NYT list, has tons of sales and rights sales etc. * as to the PA stuff. I'm assuming the poster might have been confusing selling a book to publish america, with listing a sale on publisher's marketplace. __________________ http://www.medallionpress.com/blurbs/brokenWing.html http://www.Judithjamesauthor.com http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=716911734 Last edited by Manat; 09-11-2007 at 04:06 PM. Reason: addendum*

09-11-2007, 04:13 PM	#23
David McAfee God of Squirrels Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: On The Precipice... Posts: 1,653	If it helps, they rejected my query, so you know they don't take every writer who contacts them. __________________ If I had a signature, you'd be reading it right now.

09-11-2007, 06:07 PM	#24
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	Thanks guys. I agree. That was quite odd - with all their sales, they are hard to irnore however. Does everyone think they are reliable? __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

09-11-2007, 06:09 PM	#25
BrookieCookie777 practical experience, FTW Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 573	Thanks guys. Makes me feel much better. I'll keep you guys posted. I don't know what I'd do without my friends at AW! =) God bless you all! __________________ "Cowards die many times before their deaths, The valiant never taste of death but once." - Shakespeare

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