Form Query: 11/30/22
Personalized Rejection: 2/19/23
Historical Fiction 103k

Thank you for querying me regarding [Title]. Thank you also for your patience as I moved through a large pile of queries and took some time over the holiday period.

I’m sorry to say your project is not the right fit for my list at this time. I’ve recently been doing some consulting work for an indie NZ publisher, trying to get a fantastic work of Women’s Historical Fiction set in a similar era seen by publishers and have found it very trying—ultimately, I think this manuscript would be better served by someone with richer contacts in the genre.

Form Query: 11/23/22
Personalized Rejection: 2/7/23
Light Science Fiction/Humor 103k

Very nice comment from Mr. Inder that although he liked the premise and blend of genres, the narrative voice did not work for him. He encouraged me to submit future projects for his consideration. I appreciate the personalized response.

Form Query: 11/18/22
Rejection: 1/31/23
He had limited space for YA projects on his list. He loved my concept and comp titles, but decided to pass.

YA Romance 79k

FQ: 18 November, 2022
CNR: 25 January, 20223
QR: 31 January, 2023

polite rejection letter

adult 77k LitFic

@glitter5 nothing you mentioned in this comment or the previous comment you deleted is outside of a normal querying experience. The form rejection you received is typical, not the exception. Very few agents have the time to send personalized replies, and they are rare. You are not owed a personalized rejection. I strongly recommend you do some Google searches on what to expect when you're querying. Adjust your expectations. The querying process is a long, hard slog, and you're going to get many, many more form rejections than personalized rejections. In fact, the only personalized rejections you may receive are after an agent has requested a full manuscript from you.

Nov 8 queried ya sci fi no update

Finally got a response Jan 3. I didn’t realize they were outside the us. They don’t even have the time to send a personalized letter so doubt they’d do well representing anyone. This is what they sent.

Thank you for querying me
I’m sorry to say your project is not the right fit for my list at this time.

Thank you for trusting me to read and consider your work. Wishing you all the best in finding a home, and I hope you will consider me if you find yourself querying another project in the future.

Kind regards,

@glitter5, most agents are behind because of the holidays. With that said, 2 months is a pretty normal time to wait for a reply for many agents. Yes, this agent tends to be faster, but 2 months is normal, especially with the holidays. Also, being outside the US doesn't mean they don't work with American authors. Some do, and some don't. This one does work with American authors. (I know because I've researched the agency and their book catalog. If you haven't done this, I highly recommend researching each agent and agency you submit to.)

It's highly unlikely this agent is "afraid of success" and more likely that you should take this agent at their word: your story doesn't fit their list. That's not an indictment of the quality of your story but a reality that your work and their list just don't mesh. You might be new to the querying process. If so, do expect a lot of rejections before you find the right agent. It's just how this business works, and it's nothing personal. Hope this helps, and good luck to you and your novel!

FQ: 11/07
Nudge with offer 12/8

Queried Nov 10, 2022