Under the heading of "I'm sure I'll regret this":
Although I've had limited dealings with literary agents, I can say without hesitation that they are - as a group - the most arrogant people on the planet. Their unwillingness to accept work that isn't formatted precisely according to their "submission guidelines" is only slightly more irritating than the fact that every agent has his or her own very specific rules. Even more annoying than that is the addendum included in many manifestos giving notice that any reply may not be forthcoming…they're simply too busy. And they are clearly unbending…their steadfast demand that all prospects study and adhere to their guidelines is more suggestive of a great benefactor than a money-grubbing intermediary. Of course, agents in general have destroyed every business they've meddled in, (see: Boras, Scott), and hasten the decline of a society that no longer produces anything; but views counselors, advisors, and agents as the most respected and rewarding professions. I won't argue that in the end a good agent earns his commission - but is it really too much to ask that when rejecting a work, he or she take 5 minutes to email the poor, hopeful wretch with the briefest of criticisms?
Although I've had limited dealings with literary agents, I can say without hesitation that they are - as a group - the most arrogant people on the planet. Their unwillingness to accept work that isn't formatted precisely according to their "submission guidelines" is only slightly more irritating than the fact that every agent has his or her own very specific rules. Even more annoying than that is the addendum included in many manifestos giving notice that any reply may not be forthcoming…they're simply too busy. And they are clearly unbending…their steadfast demand that all prospects study and adhere to their guidelines is more suggestive of a great benefactor than a money-grubbing intermediary. Of course, agents in general have destroyed every business they've meddled in, (see: Boras, Scott), and hasten the decline of a society that no longer produces anything; but views counselors, advisors, and agents as the most respected and rewarding professions. I won't argue that in the end a good agent earns his commission - but is it really too much to ask that when rejecting a work, he or she take 5 minutes to email the poor, hopeful wretch with the briefest of criticisms?