Dear Miss Sarah Bowlin,
I would like to withdraw my query for She's Nothing Like Me.
Thanks
Eliana,

Submitted 10/31
Form but polite response 6 hours later, not a fit etc.
Relieved; better to rip the bandaid

Upmarket 106k
Q: 10/27
FR: 10/30

Received a same-day form rejection, 90K narrative nonfiction. Appreciated the swift response!

"Thank you for reaching out about ___. Unfortunately, though, it's not a fit for me at this time. I wish you the best of luck as you continue your search."

Just an FYI to anyone who has been "skipped over" in the queue -- I queried Sarah in January and never heard back. Since then I got some feedback from other agents and made some substantial changes to the MS, and earlier this week I messaged Sarah to see if she was still considering and would be open to seeing the new material. Which she was! So if you're in a similar sitch, don't be afraid to nudge; she was very nice and quite prompt about it, despite being closed.

Update 10/14: Got a kind rejection after resubmitting last month. Bummed it wasn't her thing, but she seems really wonderful. I would absolutely query her again.

"Thank you so much for your patience throughout this process, and for giving me another chance to consider [project title]. While I admire your vision for the novel and the quality of your prose, I’m afraid I’m not fully connecting with these opening pages in the way you and your readers deserve. Certainly this is my lack. I wish you the best of luck as you continue your search."