The reply was personalized, but it sounded like it was generated by AI and then not even checked.

Memoir 125k
Q: 9/9/26
9/17/26 - Requested additional pages
10/27/26 - Thank you for sending the next pages of SHOT ON VIDEO. Your account of the mannequin shot, when an unplanned tear becomes the take that works, is a memorable glimpse of the gap between the image on screen and the work of making it. Your dry humor and firsthand knowledge give those production details a particular liveliness.

After considering the continuation, I’m not feeling the sustained narrative shape I would need to take the memoir further. With regret, we will pass for the agency.

I appreciate the candor involved in telling this story on your own terms, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read further. I hope you find an agent who shares your enthusiasm for bringing this perspective to readers.

First personalized rejection letter with feedback on my query letter that I've received. I appreciate the feedback, which will help improve my query letter.

This agent sent a thoughtful, helpful reply.

This was the first genuine rejection I've received since beginning this querying process in June. Ms. Sands gave personal feedback and links to helpful resources relative to her feedback. It's been daunting, and Ms. Sands was as professional and helpful as it gets.

Would highly recommend querying her!