Similar to other user, got a really lovely and helpful non-form letter apologizing for delay ("sometimes the best ones take the longest") praising the writing and atmosphere but not connecting with the fantasy elements. Dorian seems kind and professional, and as great as actionable feedback is, sometimes it's also great to know when it's simply not a fit. definitely one to query!

Good response. She apologized for the delay (80 days). And typed
“The voice in this sparkled, however, I didn't fall in love with the fantasy elements.”
^ which is fair.

YA - Fantasy 80k

FQ: 02/25/22
05/16/22: Dorian responded and apologized for the delayed response and said that while she loved the atmosphere, she was passing the query along to her colleague who is looking to build their SFF list. Marking as a rejection and opening a new query with that agent.

Adult Fantasy 115k

Per Dorian's Twitter,
"I know I was supposed to open to subs last week, but I’ve had a bit of a setback with covid. I look forward to reading your work when I can! ????"

Queried: 2/21/2022
Rejection: 5/16/2022

I opened this rejection expecting a form letter, but Dorian left the nicest comments about this project. The rejection still hurts, but it was so nice to read what she had to say about my book!

FQ: 12/3
Full request: 1/3 (sent same day)
Nudge: 4/4 (replied the next morning saying her response times have been a bit longer this year, but she will get to it at her soonest)
Rejection: 5/12

Very kind rejection, said she liked it but is being very picky with YA fantasy. Suggested I query her colleague Lisa Abellera.

89k YA fantasy

Queried: 3/11
Full request: 3/14, sent and confirmed receipt same day
nudge with offer of rep 4/13
a very kind pass 4/14, she cited timing as her biggest reason

72k speculative upmarket

Form Query: April 5th
Slightly Personalized Rejection: April 6th

YA Fantasy, 90k

Profile Update: Closed to queries.

Closing to queries for a month to catch up on April 6: https://twitter.com/dorianmaffei/status/1509199773923872769?s=21&t=aBOKJdMEIcJNVkwfl1mSyg

FQ: 3/17/22
FR: 3/18/22
"You are a strong writer, however, I'm not the best fit for high fantasy projects at this time."

75k LGBTQ+ YA Dark Fantasy

FQ: 3/15/2022
FR: 3/15/2022
A rejection similar to others in the thread. She seems nice!

130k Dark Fantasy

EQ: 2/16/2022
FR: 2/17/2022
94k Dark Fantasy

Adult Gothic Horror Fantasy 117k words
Queried 3/9/22
Rejected 3/10/22

A very personal, to the point, but nice rejection :)

"Thank you for your query. Please know I carefully considered your project, but I don’t feel I can offer representation at this time. The marketplace is more selective than ever and I must keep a modest list. The premise is interesting, however, I have to be extra picky when considering new fantasy projects due to the current market. This is very subjective, so don't give up! Nevertheless, I wish you every success with THE NECROMANCY OF OZYMANDIAS AND ANNABEL! Keep going with it, there are numerous agents out there that may be a good fit. I wish you the best of luck!"

FQ: 7/3/2022 - recommended by Mary C Moore


95k Dark Fantasy