How to politely decline a publishing house?

SaraMay · Aug 4, 2018

First off, apologies if this is in the wrong forum. Long story short, a small publishing house asked for a full on my MS. Got feedback from one of the editors saying they read and liked it and have passed it onto the other editors to make a final decision. After doing some more research on this house, I’ve decided that we wouldn’t be a good fit for each other. How do I go about sending an email explaining this? I would rather tell them now and not waste their time.
Would “I am glad to hear that you enjoyed my work. Unfortunately, the title is no longer available. I would like
it to be removed for consideration. Thank you for your time, MY NAME” suffice as a message? I’m not good at sending business emails and I can’t find anything on google that can help me.

Enlightened · Aug 4, 2018

I won't respond, because I am new to this field. It may help others answer if they now you have an agent or not.

lizmonster · Aug 4, 2018

I'd change "I would like it to be removed from consideration" to something like "I'm afraid I must remove it from consideration." You're not asking permission; you're informing them the MS is no longer available.

But in general, it sounds perfectly professional.

MS KIKI · Aug 4, 2018

SaraMay said:
First off, apologies if this is in the wrong forum. Long story short, a small publishing house asked for a full on my MS. Got feedback from one of the editors saying they read and liked it and have passed it onto the other editors to make a final decision. After doing some more research on this house, I’ve decided that we wouldn’t be a good fit for each other. How do I go about sending an email explaining this? I would rather tell them now and not waste their time.
Would “I am glad to hear that you enjoyed my work. Unfortunately, the title is no longer available. I would like
it to be removed for consideration. Thank you for your time, MY NAME” suffice as a message? I’m not good at sending business emails and I can’t find anything on google that can help me.

If you have an agent, let the agent handle this.

What in particular didn't you like about this house? Publishing record? Something else?
Did the editor give you any feedback? Maybe you could use that excuse. You might say after considering the revision requests, you wouldn't be a good fit.

However, he might come back to you saying OK we'll do it your way! :banana:

And then ...

Ari Meermans · Aug 4, 2018

lizmonster said:
I'd change "I would like it to be removed from consideration" to something like "I'm afraid I must remove it from consideration." You're not asking permission; you're informing them the MS is no longer available.

But in general, it sounds perfectly professional.

Welcome to AW, SaraMay.

I agree with Liz; with that one change, you have a crisp, professional business communication.

Best of luck finding the right home for your manuscript.

Marissa D · Aug 4, 2018

Thirding what Liz had to say.

AW Admin · Aug 4, 2018

lizmonster said:
I'd change "I would like it to be removed from consideration" to something like "I'm afraid I must remove it from consideration." You're not asking permission; you're informing them the MS is no longer available.

But in general, it sounds perfectly professional.

Yep. This.

SaraMay · Aug 4, 2018

Oh wow - thanks for all the responses everyone. No, I do not have an agent, I just don't think this publishing house is for me.

lizmonster said:
I'd change "I would like it to be removed from consideration" to something like "I'm afraid I must remove it from consideration." You're not asking permission; you're informing them the MS is no longer available.

But in general, it sounds perfectly professional.

Thank you

I will change it to that.

A had a few reasons for not wanting to go with this publishing house. Ever since I sent off my MS, I've had a bad gut feeling. I did more in-depth research on them (which is my bad, should have been more thorough in my research earlier on.) The big things that tipped me off were iffy contracts and a weird publishing record. Also, I just don't feel like my books is a good fit with the other titles they published and they'll want to do some major edits to it (see iffy contract.)

cool pop · Aug 4, 2018

Just send a polite note saying you appreciate them taking the time to consider your work but you are withdrawing the manuscript.

You don't have to say anything further or give a reason why. It's not their business. Just let them know you're withdrawing your submission and keep it moving.

frimble3 · Aug 4, 2018

And at least you listened to your gut before signing anything! :welcome:

Davin · Aug 10, 2018

I just did this and didn't give a reason. As Cool Pop says, it's none of their business. The publisher responded saying they were sorry to hear that and they'd be glad to publish my novel in the future if I decided to return to them.

veinglory · Aug 10, 2018

Anything short and polite is not something they will dwell on. I think I used "Thank you for you offer but I am not going to pursue publishing TITLE with you at this time".

How to politely decline a publishing house?

SaraMay

Enlightened

Always Learning

lizmonster

Possibly A Mermaid Queen

MS KIKI

Ari Meermans

MacAllister's Official Minion & Greeter

Marissa D

Scribe of the girls in the basement

AW Admin

SaraMay

cool pop

It's Cool, Miss Pop if You're Nasty

frimble3

Heckuva good sport

Davin

veinglory

volitare nequeo