Do I reply to this Query Rejection?

[Falen]

So i've never responded to a rejection. Wait, i take that back. I think i sent one thank you on a Full R, but otherwise i'm just so worried about taking up their time and their mailbox space that i don't say anything and just hope they know i'm grateful because i am.

But today i got a really, really nice query rejection. The nicest i've ever gotten. AND it was from an agent that is a non-repsonder.

He more or less said he wanted to write to me, even though he never does, to say that i have great talent and he wishes me luck. Which really made me smile.

So now i don't know, do i respond and thank him, because he went out of his way to send me an email when he normally doesn't? Or do i just send nothing like i normally do?

Thoughts?   

[LateToTheParty]

I'd send a thank you card. Seriously. That's good stuff.

[violet]

I think this is the exception, rather than the rule. Send a thank you. Brevity is key!

Congrats! Even though it's a pass, it feels like a victory.

[AnyaHarker]

Definitely say thank you and a "I appreciate you taking the time" or something. Unless it's a personalized rejection, I never reply. But I always figure that if they take the time to write to me personally, the least I can do is reply to a personal rejection.

[edelweiss]

Definitely thank him, as he took time out of his day to pat you on the head.
I think agents, like all people, don't mind opening an email that tells them they've done good.

I got a reject on a query plus first 3 chapters where the guy said that he was probably going to be kicking himself because I was a great writer, but he'd decided to pass.
So I replied thanking him and said that I would hate to think of him abusing himself on my account and to think of me again if he was ever short of reading material.  

Falen, I am so ready for your success story!

[dscanon1]

Falen, yes, send a thank you.  Also, you should feel very encouraged by his response. Soon, the e-mail will say "can we set up a time to talk?"

[Falen]

Thanks everyone! Thank you email has now been sent 

[swanndown]

I second Edelweiss' thought:   I am also so ready for your success story.  It's going to be so sweet strong satisfying.   

[JeanneG]

Oh, Falen, that's such a great story. I've sent out a few "thank you's" to personalized queries, and the agent almost always responds favorably, sometimes adding, "I'd like to see the next book when it's ready."

I'm a great believer in good manners and paying it forward. People are really kind in this business, and everyone likes being appreciated--even rejecting agents. 

Congrats! You are very, very close...

JeanneG

[bodwen]

Agents who say they don't like thank you letters say so since most are just thinly veiled pleas for a chance to revise and resubmit.  As far as I'm concerned sincere praise and gratitude are never inappropriate.

[koevoet]

I agree with JeanneG and Edelweiss -- they took the time to single you out with a compliment and let them know how much it means to you to hear that instead of the standard "thanks but no thanks."  Brevity is the key.

I too am SOOO waiting to hear your success story, Falen!  Good luck and more karma coming your way!!

[Falen]

Aww thanks guys!

I have to say again how much i love our little community. As soon as i need another opinion, i rush over here and know i'll get some great advice. You guys are the awesomest!!