Ever heard of this?

I had written a query and proposal to a small un-named publisher who offered contract, given I had the ms completed in 60 days. I got it to them on day 45, but I never signed the contract (waiting for bigger houses and agents that I still had ms' out with), and today I get a form rejection in the mail from the publisher who had already offered contract. I called and was told "We changed our minds, it just isn't right for us) What should I be thinking right now?

triceretops said:

Wow, who are these bums to back out like that?

Tri

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The smiley face throws me off tri.

pconsidine said:

It could be something as simple as a personnel shift (the editor who wanted to buy your book quit or was fired) or that the money they were going to spend on your piece went to someone else in the interim. Whatever the reason, I'm 90% sure it's just business. I don't think it means anything to you personally.

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Oh, I'm sure, but as all of you can imagine, ALL THE WIND HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF MY SAILS.

P.H.Delarran said:

i'd be thinking, "hmm..maybe if i had signed the contract first..."
'just sayin..

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well, i never intended on going with them, they publish historical reference books for libraries, but they specialize in baseball history. Still, they don't send to bookstores unless specially ordered, and I want my book in stores. However, it was a compliment to recieve an offer from them, and I did intend to hold them on the back burner "just in case", all this means, is my safety net is gone. (There is always PA JUST KIDDING) I however did get a wonderfully nice email from the editor (which was convenient for it to show up the same day as the rejection)

RainBrain said:

i disagree.

they obviously knew this guy wasn't taking them seriously since he didn't sign their contract right away. so what were they suppose to do? wait for him to be rejected by the bigger houses and fall back on them as the last resort? NO

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they didn't know anything other than I hadn't signed the contract.

RainBrain said:

are these queries sent via email or regular snail mail?

how long is your MS by the way if you completed it in 60 days. i'm jealous

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This is someone different, I didn't have a complete MS in 60 days, I was already 2/3 done when I queried them.