Publisher's reasoning so weird that you had to laugh?

smallthunder said:

This is for my own novel -- the MC is an aspiring writer who has sold his soul to the devil in return for a big-name NYC literary agent taking on his manuscript. Naturally, it's devilishly difficult to get published, even with such an agent (but not necessarily Satan) on your side ...

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Oh, so this is non-fiction, then.

arkady said:

Oh, so this is non-fiction, then.

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You beat me to that!

Deal

smallthunder said:

I know many of us here are still trying to land an agent (or perhaps just finish writing that d*mn thing!) ... but ... I'd love to hear weird and/or funny reasons agents have given for why a publisher took a pass on a client's manuscript.

This is for my own novel -- the MC is an aspiring writer who has sold his soul to the devil in return for a big-name NYC literary agent taking on his manuscript. Naturally, it's devilishly difficult to get published, even with such an agent (but not necessarily Satan) on your side ...

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Uh, shouldn't he have made a better deal with the devil? A deal to be the bestselling writer alive makes sense, but a deal to simply get a good agent tells me the guy ain't the brightest star in the night sky. As an editor, I'd have real problem with this deal.

I was curious, too--is that part of the plot, that he made a really bad deal? Because I was thinking the same thing, only not only does the MC have to give Satan his soul, but he now has to pay the agent their 15% if it sells. Someone's getting snookered on that deal.

That was simular to "Dedazzled" the original with Dudley Moore and the other bod who i hav forgot at this moment. Dud sells his soul to the devil but the devil keeps asking for money all the way through the film. So maybe you should keep it in. I think that would make a much more interesting story how he is duped and keeps on getting duped.

Kevvers

smallthunder said:

I wouldn't say that my MC isn't particularly bright -- it's more that, after reading the latest rejection letter from an agent, he just happens to exclaim "I'd give my soul for a good agent!" and an enterprising devil moves so quickly that the deal is done before my MC has a chance to fully understand what's happening ...

Note that there's a reason why this devil (not The Devil, Satan Himself, mind you) has been hanging around (unseen) my MC for a while ...

In any case, I would really appreciate some brief anecdotes of weird/funny reasons a publisher has turned down a manuscript -- to help get my creative juices going. Heck, it doesn't even have to be true -- i.e. a true anecdote. Just some funny/weird thoughts would be helpful.

Thanks.

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thank you--I was wondering how that could happen?! The poor MC. Stuck with a devil AND an unsold book. I'd definitely read that.

Sorry I don't have an anecdote. Haven't made it that far yet. Hopefully someone will stumble along soon to help?

Oh no, Twizzle? I think this is a dandy story.

Soccer Mom said:

Oh no, Twizzle? I think this is a dandy story.

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I'm still upset over that one. How dare they not read my guidelines.

That was a short, though. sorry. I have yet to query--soon, soon, and I suspect they won't read my guidelines either. I don't know why everyone thinks it's okay to reject me.

Maybe try the story research and interviewees topic?

Well, I don't have a good story but the ones that make me bang my head on my keyboard (I've gotten three of these) are the "it's interesting and well-written but I'm taking a pass on it" ones.

I get a lot of 'too short' ones. That are about that long. Also, I've heard of people getting, 'too literary'. That must be frustrating.

Your book sounds really neat, BTW. And your avatar is a Totoro, so you're obviously cool.

Twizzle said:

thank you--I was wondering how that could happen?! The poor MC. Stuck with a devil AND an unsold book. I'd definitely read that.

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I agree. I think it sounds funny. I think the whole point of lots of "deal with the devil" stories is that the MC is short sighted and doesn't see how that will effect him in the long term.

Just got this one on Monday.

"This strikes me as a better bet as a novel for younger readers rather
than adult fiction. "

I'm in a complete tail spin over this because I thought I had written a dark adult fantasy novel. Did she even read my submission?

Lady Fae

Lady Fae said:

Just got this one on Monday.

"This strikes me as a better bet as a novel for younger readers rather
than adult fiction. "

I'm in a complete tail spin over this because I thought I had written a dark adult fantasy novel. Did she even read my submission?

Lady Fae

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Wow. Dark fantasy to YA... That's a FAR stretch. Though I guess it depends (as with everything).

All I know is if someone suggested my dark fantasy novel would do better as YA, I'd expect 1) They need to see a doctor or 2) They just didn't read it. Then again, my novel is chock full o' bisexual angels, and a creator figure whose power base is built on emotional/sexual torture. Also, it is not a "coming of age" novel. *chuckle*

Never been far enough for a rejection, but I imagine some irritating responses might be:

"I like the title. Unfortunately, that's about it."
"We are no longer accepting fiction, only highly satirized and impossible to believe non-fiction." (or vice versa, as the case may be)
And then there is the genre bending requests. Such as a regency romance sub receiving the response of "Can you put a dragon in it? Or maybe just some elves?"
Or, to take a page and post from another thread on Donald Maas,
"We are only accepting (insert type of book here) from female authors at this time."
...And just because it would drive me nuts, I would hate it if they compared decent, but inferior authors vs. genre defining icons. The only one that comes to mind is a horrible, "We were looking for something a little more Laurel K. Hamilton, but yours is unfortunately too Anne Rice."

OMG! I just got one that said -- "The writing is competent."

Talk about "damned with faint praise!!"

I dislike how rejections are often one long advertisement for their books.
"We are looking for the most magnificent stories on earth. Our books are splendiferous, super-fabulous, extrodinary tales with impressive characters, sublime plots and superior themes.
Unfortunately while your story had some of these elements it lacked others. Thank you for your keen interest in our company. Please buy every book we publish and then maybe you'll have better luck with your writing career. "

Lady Fae said:

Just got this one on Monday.

"This strikes me as a better bet as a novel for younger readers rather
than adult fiction. "

I'm in a complete tail spin over this because I thought I had written a dark adult fantasy novel. Did she even read my submission?

Lady Fae

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Lady Fae--

I took a quick look at your web site, and I'd like to know if this was a response to your query for The Doll's Garden. If so, I can sort of see from the description on your blog why someone might perceive this as a YA. The protagonist is described as a girl interested in fairies and fairy tales. Even though it sounds like she goes through a harrowing journey, the overall tone still seems light and possibly more appealing to girls than adults. The very title "The Doll's Garden," to be honest, doesn't sound like something targeting adults.

But, if your query is different from your web site description, then ignore everything I just said.

LoL. you can have it all. Feel free to use it. And as for the gender specific author requests, just check out http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79231&highlight=donald and follow the link. In the thread they also discuss gender prejudice based on genre. Military action = no females... or conversely, that now they only want female authors as advertising ploys. GL!