"I enjoyed these opening pages. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I just didn't get that 'must-be-mine' feeling I need to feel confident about pitching a project in this competitive market. This isn't a reflection of your writing talents or your concept itself; rather, I'm not the right agent for this manuscript."

Form with minor personalizations to make it seem like I had a shot. Whee.

1.11.25 Queried
15.2.26 Nudged
21.8.26 Kind, personalised rejection essentially confirming it as having been in the 'maybe' pile for ages. Even though it had been marked as CNR I really appreciated Lee taking the time to give a thoughtful rejection.

6/18/26: YA Contemporary 79k
7/27/26: rejection, but definitely the best rejection I've gotten (it's my 1st personalized one I believe)! Agents have a bajillion things to read and reply to, and so it really means a lot when they take the time to send a personalized response. Lee seems like such a lovely person and agent and I would definitely query them for future projects!

Thank you for sending your query about XXXXX, and thank you for your patience as I've made my way through my inbox. I adore the premise of this, and you have such a confident, clear sense of narrative voice I truly enjoyed. Also, I really appreciated your kind note in your query.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid I just didn't get that "must-be-mine" feeling I need to feel confident about pitching a project in this competitive market. This isn't a reflection of your writing talents or your concept itself; rather, I'm not the right agent for this manuscript. Publishing is so subjective, and you deserve an utterly enthusiastic agent as your advocate.

I thank you for the chance to consider your work, and I wish you success in finding it a home.