I'm another of what I believe is now 200+ reported 25 August rejections, so perhaps the wording of the form rejection could do with a rethink.

Bulk rejections don't bother me in themselves — agents receive enormous numbers of queries and have every right to pass quickly when something clearly isn't for them. What gives me pause is a form response saying the query was “carefully reviewed” when it appears to have been part of a very large clear-out on the same day, particularly when the rest of the template doesn't seem especially tailored to the circumstances.

For me, when an agent's form rejection doesn't appear to match their actual working process, that gives me some cause for concern about whether they're someone I'd potentially want to work with. Being a good fit is a two-way street. I’d stop short of calling it a red flag, but it’s certainly an amber one.

I'm not saying people shouldn't submit to this agent if their work seems a good fit. I would simply go in with realistic expectations about what “carefully reviewing” a query may mean in practice.

Travis's form rejection template:

Thank you so much for allowing The Knight Agency to consider your material. Unfortunately, after carefully reviewing your query, we've determined that this particular project isn't the right fit for us at this time. As I'm sure you know, the publishing industry changes swiftly now, as do readers' tastes and trends. As a result, our own agents' needs shift and change, as well; therefore, we would like to encourage you to consider querying us with future projects as you may deem appropriate.

Regards,
Travis

Submitted and rejected within 24 hours.

Q: July 31, 2026 114K Science Fiction
FR: Aug 25, 2026

"...after carefully reviewing your query, we've determined that this particular project isn't the right fit for us at this time." Travis rejected 199 queries on the same day. He's obviously using some version of "careful review" that is unknown to me, but I'm certain it didn't involve actually reading the sample pages.

Good luck to the Horror manuscript and the Romance that made it through that carnage.

Adult Sci-Fi Thriller - 73k words

Q: 7/29/26
FR: 8/17/26

contemp romance

Q 7-27-26
X 8-17-26
not a fit