But I just got a personalized rejection from my dream agent. Yeah, part of me is thrilled to finally get some useful agent advice, but I’d really been hoping, you know?
It’s a bit sad, because I think what he pointed out isn’t really a major problem for the novel. It’s actually not even something that lasts a chapter. But I guess it shouldn’t have been there, hey?
So yeah. I’m just glad to know it wasn’t something terrible turning him off. That would have sucked. And it is my first novel I ever queried. Who knows? Maybe he’ll dig the next one.
The Five Year Project 
Getting a personalized rejection is really good. It says the agent saw something there, but it didn't work out with this novel. True, yes is even better, but anything beyond a form rejection is a step in the right direction. 🙂
Sorry to hear this, rejection hurts! But definitely try and look on the bright side – it was a personlized rejection with some advice that's got to be worth something. Keep trying x
It's great that you have a specific idea of what he thought was wrong – sometimes even the personalised ones gloss over the actual issue (I've read a couple of posts about that recently). Good luck with the next submission 🙂
I'm sorry! Maybe the next one will dig that part.
Ugh, sorry to hear that. Keep plugging away, though…don't quit!
Boy, why does that feel like such a sucker punch to the gut? I'm sorry. I hate to sound like a Perky Patty, but I have to echo the other thoughts here, receiving a personalized rejection seems like about as positive as it gets.
I'm one of those people who truly believes that there are reasons and purposes behind almost everything, even though we don't see them at the time. Here's hoping your path leads to a rejoicing purpose soon.
Ouch, I know how that feels. But a personalised rejection is definitely a good sign! I take them to mean that although your work might not be right for a particular agent, it doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with the book. Best of luck finding a place for your work! 🙂
Oh Misha, I'm so sorry to hear. Everyone here has already said the cheer up stuff, but man it hurts to get one of those. Sometimes, a personalized rejection is almost worse. I sort of feel like when they just give me a form rejection, maybe they didn't really read it, so it isn't really a rejection.
On the other hand, agents just don't even bother with personalization unless you're really close. That's a big big deal. I hope you can see how incredible that part is, even if it's tacked on to a rejection (which are craptastic by nature).
I would not take it as a “No” but as a “Not yet but you're getting there”. Sometimes it feels like a brick in the face just the same, but with these bricks you can build your stairs that will take you up to success. Keep on going.
I got a rejection in January, after 3 months of waiting. So, I understand. I've got to dust it off and send it out again. It wasn't an enlightening experience. At least you got feedback. They said they mailed my ms back, but haven't seen it yet, after nearly 5 wks (an SASE was in there, too).
Hi Misha,
I'm ever so sorry to read this. However, you know that the driving force lies within your writing passion. Next time may well bring a different outcome. Keep going and keep smiling, even through gritted teeth.
In kindness,
Gary
I know how hard it is, but keep querying. A personalized rejection is a really good sign.
Don't give up (although I don't that crosse your mind) – you made a brave move and got feedback. If it was only a tiny thing, why didn't he suggest a change? Anyway, this is why I haven't even tried to the trad. route – I'm not brave. But remember all those who were rejected many times over, until someone saw their brilliance finally. It will happen. x
I remember when my dream agent sent me a rejection. It definitely wasn't personalised so you must have made an impression on yours!
I learned that going from receiving form rejections to personalized rejections is very promising. Keep at it.
Persistence, persistence, persistence. . .
I know each one hurts because I've had many myself but as everyone's saying, a personalised rejection is good, really it is.
Yes, maybe he'll dig the next one–that's if your #2 dream agent doesn't snap you and your work up for represntation.
Oh, I'm sorry. But take comfort that a personalized rejection is a true sign of how close you were. Keep at it!
Agree with Cherie. Hang in there. 😉
Sorry for your bad news, Misha. I once got a rejection on my birthday, if that helps. 🙂
I've gotten loads of generic “No, thanks” rejections, but only one personalized, which was also at the beginning of my writing/querying stage. At the time, it was just one more wound, you know? I saved that letter, though, and went back to it, took the advice in it to heart, and acted on it. So I'm with the “personalized rejections are gold” camp, 'cause they really are. (((((((((((((((Misha)))))))))))))))
I agree with you there. Sadly, my patience disagrees. 😉
Frustrating bit is, his niggle isn't really something I think I can do much about. I'll keep thinking about it, though.
Yeah I don't actually think that the problem the agent highlighted is a problem. It's just bad luck that he asked for a certain amount of words, because the so called problem doesn't exist if the excerpt is read in context.
Fingers crossed. 🙂
Yep. This actually gave me some hope.
I also believe that things happen for a reason and the God is guiding me ever step of the way.
His ways are better than mine. 🙂
Absolutely! That's definitely how I feel now.
Yeah that's what I think too. If this agent saw something worth considering, I'm on the right road. 🙂
Thanks for putting it so well. Time to lay some more bricks. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your rejection. Hopefully the next round of queries will go better for you. 🙂
Absolutely. I'll never let a few hundred no's make me give up on writing.
I'm really hoping it's the sign of things turning around now, but I'm not all that optimistic. Agents so far just don't seem to get the concept I'm selling.
Yeah. I just wish it happened sooner. Part of me keeps feeling like I'm wasting time.
Yeah, I must say I think I'm quite lucky, even though I sometimes don't feel like it. 😉
Thanks! I really hope it's true.
Definitely.
Yeah. If nothing else, it made me feel a bit better after tens of form rejections.
Hahaha no #2 said no a long time ago.
Yeah I really did come very close. That much is clear from the letter. Oh well.
Thanks! I'm definitely trying to. 🙂
On your birthday?! That sucks. *hugs*
Ah, that just sucks then 😦