My experience is the same. After sending a snail mail query 9/10, received a card 9/18 that she is not taking on clients.

After a lot of work putting together a snail mail query, received a card that she is not taking on clients.

3/10/14 Q snail mail
4/21/14 R, complimentary personal letter saying she is not accepting new clients.

Lit Fiction novel

8/5/13, I've sent Deborah my query for Chain Reaction. Today she passed, saying it's not a right fit for her. Oh well.

http://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2013/06/gelfman-schneider-joins-icm-in-latest-strategic-alliance/:
In another move that signals the growing consolidation of literary agencies, ICM Partners announced a new strategic alliance with Gelfman Schneider, who will now do business as Gelfman/Schneider/ICM (but will still retain their Seventh Avenue offices.) ICM says the partnership "increases the footprint...of the publishing unit and solidifies its status as a market leader among the talent and literary agencies." Clients on the Gelfman Schneider list include Jeffery Deaver, David Rabe, Lauren Weisberger, Chris Bohjalian, and the estate for Evan Hunter/Ed McBain.

Last November, ICM set up a similar strategic alliance with the Washington, DC-based Sagalyn Agency. In addition, Curtis Brown UK represents clients from both ICM and Gelfman Schneider in the UK, which adds another incentive for all parties to work together.

In a joint statement, the partnership of ICM said: "Publishing is experiencing a sea change, and there is tremendous opportunity for authors to grow and expand their brands in this environment. We are aggressively looking for new ways to better serve our clients and take advantage of the opportunities the new landscape has to offer. Jane Gelfman and Deborah Schneider have impeccable reputations in the community, and their forward-thinking approach to client representation makes for a perfectly aligned partnership." Gelfman and Schneider added: "Joining forces with an agency of ICM's international stature gives us the power to stay competitive and more efficient in a changing marketplace and provides continuity for us and our clients long into the future."

Yeah. I noticed today that there is nothing on in the submission guidelines to suggest that Ms. Schneider isn't taking queries - ONLY that she won't accept queries by email. (And, of course, no unsolicited MS submissions.) Same is true of Ms. Gelfman and Ms. Mitchell.

Takes snail mail queries...

Wow, no one commented to her in a few months. 5/2, I queried her. Today I've heard back: it's not right for her. Oh well.

10/11 Q
10/22 R
"not taking new clients at this time"

Hi Patrick,

I believe she is accepting snail mail queries (see submissions on the agency's website).

See interview here:

http://astorybookworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/interview-with-literary-agent-deborah.html

Website indicates they are taking queries again. Snail mail only.

Postcard response: "not taking on new clients at this time."

Snail mailed to Deborah Schneider per web site guidelines, a query letter, a synopsis and a sample (first) chapter (under 40 pgs) on 2/23/10. Today, 3/08, I received my synopsis and first chapter returned in my provided SASE. She didn't even include a rejection form or a scribbled note, "Not for us." NOTHING! How's that for a lack of class?

2/13/10: Snail mail query
2/26/10: Form rejection but very politely written.