Query: 9/23/22

Horror Fantasy 35K

Dorian rejected the last book I sent her, but requested I send a horror manuscript when I had one.

Form rejection with personalized edits that I appreciate.

Form Query: 6/21/22
Personal Rejection: 9/22/22

epic fantasy, 101K

Got the response within minutes after I marked CNR (after 93 days) - very kind, personal message explaining the delay and why she eventually passed, then recommending her colleague and ending on a note of encouragement. It stings, but with so many agents who never respond I'm still grateful!

"I held onto this one because I connected with your writing--on a line level, this hits my tastes exactly--however, I have a lot of SFF on my list at the moment and am really trying to build out more in other genres."

Form Query: 9/30
Form Rejection: 9/30

91k Adult Sci-Fantasy

Appreciate a quick rejection, whew!

6/20/22: Slush query
6/21/22: Form rejection
9/15/22: #latinxpitch like for the same book
9/16/22: Re-submitted with a note explaining the situation just to see if maybe she wanted to take a second look (can't hurt!)

Expecting a quick rejection, but figured I'd take my chances just in case. 86K YA LGBTQ+ spec-fic.

Profile Update: Closed to queries.

FQ: 14 Sep 2022
FR: 14 Sep 2022 -- "too high fantasy", in line with below comments
Adult grimdark fantasy 122k

Dorian seems lovely and is super quick, but sounds like she's not taking second world fantasy at the moment. Should update her MSWL or pin that on her Twitter to save herself a pile of queries! She noticed I had a query (CNR'd) out with Lisa Abellera and said she would be a better fit.

Posted on Twitter that she's closing to unsolicited subs on 9/15

As many before have said, a gracious, kind, and encouraging rejection - a form letter with some variation.

Rejected after a few hours, I do appreciate the promptness. Specifically noted that it veered too high fantasy for what she was looking for.

Querry: 28th August, 2022
Semi-personalized rejection: 29th August, 2022
High fantasy, 120k

She was extremely prompt and courteous.
I suspected that she might reject my story due to it being high fantasy, and she did mention that this was indeed the reason. But she still responded kindly and professionally, in a similar half-personalized manner as others have mentioned.
I will absolutely query her again, if I have a project that is a little more up her alley.

YA Fantasy, 75k

FQ: 08/29/22
ER (form): 08/29/22

FQ: 27/8/22
Semi-personalised FR: 29/8/22

"I love the premise of this--this is right up my alley--however, I had a hard time getting grounded in the story."

YA Horror 84K

Form query: 8/25/22
Adult Fantasy 85k

Form query: 08/22/22
Semi-personalized form reject: 08/23/22
136K Contemporary Fantasy

This was one of the kindest rejections I've had - based on other comments, Dorian seems to use a form letter then edits it slightly to suit the individual query. Given the incredibly fast turn around, I doubt she read all 50 of my sample pages, but she definitely at least looked at them, which I appreciate. A note to folks with higher word count manuscripts - that does seem to be a deal breaker for her. Here's what I received for context:

"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.
I loved your writing style--this almost had a feeling akin to how fairy-tales are told--however, I don't feel I have a clear editorial vision for this project. I also feel that this story might be a bit too long at 136k words. Nevertheless, I wish you every success with TITLE! Don't give up!
Keep going with it, there are numerous agents out there that may be a good fit. I wish you the best of luck!"