Maybe it's just me, but. . .

[Dee Savoy]

Okay, it's been a little while since I had to do an agent search and even longer than that since I was a new author with no clue just a SASE to include with my manuscript, but . . . it never occurred to me that writer's getting a rejection would receive a letter back without their name on it. Huh? you say. I know, I don't think that made sense exactly, so I'll be specific.

The other day, an aspiring writer friend of mine got back her first two rejections from agents--one was via e-mail and one a regular snail mail letter. The snail mail letter was addressed to <span style="font-style:italic;">Dear Author</span>.

My first thought was, you've got to be kidding me. As much trouble as writers go through to get the agent's name right, to send only what the agent wants to see how he or she wants to see it, don't they deserve better than to have their work declined by saying basically "hey you, no thanks"? Harsh!

I know agents are busy and must devote their time to the clients whose work actually makes money for them. I not suggesting the abolition of the form letter, but, Jeez, couldn't there be a spot to scrawl the authors name on the top of the page, or a mail merge thingie whereby a name could be easily inserted before the letter is printed out or how about leaving off the salutation entirely?

Such is the life of a writer, I suppose. As my grandmother would say, let that be the worst thing that happens to you. But, damn!

[Frances Lynn]

I howled with laughter when I read Curt's comments. When I was looking for an agent for my first novel years ago, the agent's rejection letters were detailed enough to stick on your walls. One even advised me to send my book to a handful of his publisher friends after he said the book wasn't for him. Now, due to celing high slush piles, I think agents don't have the time to write critically helpful letters like they used to?

[Dee Savoy]

Susanne,

I agree. Congrats!

All the best,
Dee

[Susanne Alleyn]

I got back at the agent who scrawled on the top of my letter by being taken on, not too long afterwards, by a much-better-known and highly respected and reputable agent in New York (and his is even one of the only agencies left that takes 10%). Living well is the best revenge. ;-)

[Schuyler Thorpe]

Dee:

Not anymore. I appreciate the sentiment, but I've stopped the agent train after 2006. I'm focusing on doing my own e-publishing under a specialized imprint of mine.

This way, I can do things right and not hear from the mainstream about how much of a "burden" I'll be to the book industry. (By bankrupting it or some other silly stuff.)

[Dee Savoy]

he he susanne. I guess it is just me, then. Sorry to hear all the horror stories folks. I'm wishing you all much better luck in the future.

All the best,
Dee

[Susanne Alleyn]

Well, I had one from an agent who obviously had been brought up properly -- s/he scrawled across the top of my letter, "not for me, _thanks._" Doesn't that just make all the difference? ;-)

[Dee Savoy]

Sorry to hear that Schuyler. I'm crossing my fingers for a great acceptance for you.

All the best,
Dee

[Dee Savoy]

like the story line, it shows promise. But your book needs a complete rewrite and some serious editing besides. Letting your first person narrator kill himself in the last chapter is not a good idea. On the other hand, your writing has made me rethink my stand on capital punishment. Promise not to submit any more material and I promise not to write you again.'

ha ha ha

Now there's a rejection. Loved it.

All the best,
Dee

[Dee Savoy]

Good for you Chris, but as I say, damn.

All the best,
Dee

[Chris Redding]

I once had an agent scrawl on my SASE, "Not for me."
Couldn't even print out a form letter. I sold that book four days later.
Chris Redding