I got my first personal rejection today. :) It wasn't a form letter. Let me tell you the (short) story.
I submitted to "Nancy Gallt Literary Agency" about a month and a half ago by using their online form, the very same agency that currently represents Jeanne DuPrau (The City of Ember series) and Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series). After it sent, I crossed my fingers, held my breath, and tried to forget about it so I wouldn't be obsessively refreshing my Inbox every few days.
Today the rejection was in my Inbox, but it looked kind of weird when I opened it. Ah, that would be because it was longer and they . . . actually used my name? No "Dear Author" or "We're sorry to say . . ."?
Nope! It was a personal rejection, meaning it wasn't a form letter, that the agent I submitted to (Marietta Zacker) had actually written it out and taken the time to respond to me, something most agents don't do and don't have the time for. Here's the letter she sent me:
Ms. (My last name here):
I am so impressed with your drive and your fortitude. Congratulations
on what you've already accomplished. Writing a novel is no easy feat.
I have to pass on FANTASYA, but I'll be rooting for you, hoping that you
continue to be as passionate as you are now. I also recommend that you
stay as dedicated to the craft of writing as you are at the moment. You have an amazing future.
Thank you for your query ~ I wish you the very best.
Sincerely,
Marietta
Marietta Zacker
Nancy Gallt Literary Agency
----------------------------------------
Updates From MV:
Giving away three books for the price of absolutely nothing (click HERE).
Waiting on six literary agents to respond to my query (EEP!!!).
Loving THIS shirt.
(If you have something you'd like me to share in "Updates From MV"
please send me an e-mail at themagicviolinist(AT)gmail(DOT)com. Thank
you! :D)
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Query Letter Rejection Celebration!
I am 21-year-old author, actress, daydreamer, voracious reader, introvert, klutz, fangirl, and overuser of tape. I love the impossible (which might explain my obsessions with YA novels) but I dip into the real world . . . occasionally. I’m a big fan of dogs, Broadway musicals, and bittersweet endings. When I'm not hunched over a laptop writing a new story, you can find me onstage in whatever theatrical production I've allowed to take over my life. I am a contributor to the “Fauxpocalypse” anthology and the author of “Instructions for Flight” and “Ghost Light,” both collections of poetry. You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @KateIFoley.
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11 comments:
WOW! That is a fantastic rejection letter! How exciting. That was very kind of her and has lovely, encouraging things to say to you.
I bet part of her taking the time to write all that is that she full well knows that you're getting published someday and not only wants to encourage you, but also be part of your publishing history as the first agent to write you a personal rejection that documents that she recognizes your talent! :) Super exciting, TMV! So happy for you! You really ARE driven with this!
Congratulations, Ms. (My last name here)! You are in the business! With each rejection you are that much closer to that acceptance. Keep at it!
That's so exciting! It's always exciting when you they respond personally. I agree with her, you're on your way to great things!
That was kind of classy.
I think there's hope for her and I'm going to feel sorry for her when she realizes what a mistake she made not getting you published.
Wow! Congratulations on your rejection! It sounds wrong but it's so right. :)
Jimmy, I kind of wonder if she knows Kate is talented and WILL be published, but just thinks now isn't the time or that that isn't the book. Wouldn't it be cool if she were to accept something of Kate's and say, "THAT's the ticket!" like she's been waiting for just the right thing all along?
I'm an idealist. I often wonder whether or not that's a good thing.
Thanks for the comments, everybody! :D This is definitely something worth celebrating. Did you know Stephen King got rejected so many times that he actually threw Carrie in the trash? Yup, then his wife pulled it out of the garbage, made him submit it one more time, and he got accepted! :)
So awesome! What a lady to see your potential and encourage you. We all know it's only a matter of time. As Ron would say, print that email and save it!
@seventytwofishes I have a label in my e-mail called "rejections". Every time I get one I save it. :) I think I have three or four right now, but I'm still waiting on six more agents at the moment, so it's only a matter of time before that number grows!
That's so exciting, Magic Violinist! It's always so cool to hear when GTW people take a big step towards achieving their dream. That's amazing that Rick Riordan's agent sent you an actual letter!
@Inky Spirals I know!!! :D The whole time I was reading it I was thinking, "Rick Riordan works with these people. And she was IMPRESSED. By ME." It was all around really cool. :)
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