In an effort to continue responding to all queries, I have decided to start using a form rejection. As many of you know, this has been something I have tried to avoid.
Up until now, I have used a combination of form and personalized "pass" letters, but these notes have resulted in too many response emails. Some have been polite, others have requested additional help and/or advice and then there have been those that were downright rude and hurtful. The negative emails from writers has left a bad taste in my mouth, but I don't want to have to stop responding to all queries, although I admit that I have thought about it and have not ruled it out for the future.
I have also tried to avoid asking my intern to go through the query inbox because I want you to know that I have actually read your submissions. I have to be both mindful of your effort and very careful with the time I take away from my clients in order to read, respond and consider all your submissions.
In the end, while you are VERY important, my clients have to come first.
So after much consideration and careful thought, I have decided to do a few things to streamline the query process while still providing writers with the responses they need in order to keep accurate records of their submissions.
- I have created an auto-response so that you will know that I have received your query (at the new email address). I hope this will alleviate any dread that you might have landed in my spam folder.
- I will make a point of announcing on twitter and my blog about where (date wise) I am in the query pile.
- I have a new, improved query-friendly email address!
- If you want to send me a query (and the first 5 pages), you will need to email me at Louise@Lperkinsagency.com If you do not use this NEW email, you will not get a response (at all). If you have sent a query to the old email address, you should hear from me by October 1st. If you do not, please resend your query to the new address.
If you have sent me a query and/or samples of your work, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to consider it for my list. I know this process is not an easy one.
Thank you!
Best,
Louise
P.S. I will continue to personally respond to all requested partial and full manuscripts.
4 comments:
*applauds* the auto-response.
The negative emails from writers has left a bad taste in my mouth, but I don't want to have to stop responding to all queries, although I admit that I have thought about it and have not ruled it out for the future.
Totally understand and support your decision, but I'd love to reach through the monitor and bitchslap the idiots who drive agents and editors to this and taking a only responding if interested tack.
People, please: Don't drink and "Send"! ;) Louise, I've also read stuff online about how grateful people were for the direction and helpful suggestions you made in your pass letters. I hope hearing about that counteracts some of the bad apples.
New website looks great, new process sounds good--and I hope I never have to be on the receiving end of it. :)
Viva Team Fury!!
I appreciate your evolving approach to the query process. An auto receipt is a great addition. My paranormal romance is currently in your requested full manuscript pile from the ORA conference in Springfield, MO. Shame on the bad-spirited authors who don't recognize your feedback—either negative or positive—as being valuable. Love the new website look.
It is a terrible thing when a writer(s) has to resort to being rude simply because their tale does not reflect your current needs. It puts a bad taste in the mouths of many, I assure you, for most of us reply simply with a 'Thank you for considering our work'. It was super fun meeting you last year at the NJRWA conference, you were a hoot!
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