Getting rejected by a literary agent can be hard. You’ve written a book that you are super proud of and are confident that it’s going to sell well. But the literary agents don’t seem to think so.
Every writer gets rejected at some point. How you handle rejection leaves a lasting impression on agents and others in the industry and it affects your confidence. By responding kindly and professionally you can turn a “no” into an opportunity to grow as a writer, strengthen your work, and keep doors open for future submissions.
This post will teach you how to respond to literary agent rejection with grace and professionalism. You’ll learn:
- How to process the rejection privately
- Understand the reasons behind rejections
- Decide whether to respond
- How to respond to professionalism and grace (if you choose to respond)
- How to reflect and revise (if needed)
- How to move forward with a positive mindset
How to Respond to Literary Agent Rejection
Step 1: Process the Rejection Privately
Getting a rejection letter from a literary agent can bring up a mix of emotions: disappointment, frustration, or even self-doubt. These are normal feelings, but it’s important to give yourself time and space to work through them before you respond to the agent’s rejection. And no matter what—never express those feelings to the agent.
Take a day or two to process the rejection privately. You could talk to a trusted friend, journal, or just take some time for self-care. Please don’t dwell on those negative feelings or allow them to consume you. Keep in mind that rejection is part of the process and you can use this experience to improve and grow. Reject isn’t personal. Agents reject thousands of manuscripts for many reasons.
Once you’ve had the opportunity to work through the initial sting of the rejection, you’ll be in a better place mentally to write a professional, gracious response.
Step 2: Understand the Reasons Behind Rejections
One of the best ways to handle literary agent rejection is to understand why it might have happened. Agents don’t always provide feedback explaining the rejection. However, there are some common reasons why:
- Fitting Into the Market
Agents have to consider if a manuscript fits with current market trends and reader demand. Sometimes, even a well-written story may not align with what agents are looking to represent, which can lead to rejection. Research the genres and topics agents are actively seeking, so you can target those whose preferences align with your work. - Story Development
Many manuscripts get rejected due to issues with pacing, character development, or plot structure. Agents are looking for work that demonstrates depth, coherence, and engagement. Consider any feedback you’ve received from beta readers, critique partners, or editors. - Writing Quality
A strong voice and unique writing style can really stand out and grab an agent’s attention. However, if your manuscript needs more clarity, it may be passed over for another submission. Take the time to edit your work meticulously or hire a professional editor. This will increase your chances of a positive response. - Timing and Agent’s Current List
Sometimes, rejection happens simply because of timing. An agent may have recently signed a similar project or may not have room in their schedule for new clients. Of course, this is beyond your control, but knowing that timing plays a role can make it easier to handle rejection with perspective and patience. - Other Submissions
Agents often receive hundreds of queries each week, which means they have to be selective. Rejection may not be a reflection of your work but rather a matter of competition. Keep in mind that what doesn’t work for one agent might be a perfect fit for another.
Knowing and understanding the common reasons behind rejection will help you know how to respond to literary agent rejection with professionalism and grace.
See also: Avoiding Rejection: What Literary Agents Are Looking for in Authors
Before "Harry Potter" became a global phenomenon, J.K. Rowling faced numerous rejections. Yet, she pressed on, reworking her manuscript until it found a home with a publisher who believed in her vision.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Respond
Replying to a rejection letter isn’t something that you are required to do, but it can help you maintain professionalism and stand out to agents for future reviews.
When to Respond:
- If a literary agent takes the time to provide personalized feedback, you should respond with a short thank-you note. Acknowledge their insights and express appreciation for their time and suggestions. Expressing gratitude can leave a positive impression, keeping the door open for future submissions or communication. Just be sure to keep any reply concise and appreciative without pushing for further feedback.
When Not to Respond:
- If the rejection comes in the form of a standard, impersonal letter (form letter), it’s perfectly acceptable not to respond. These types of rejections are often due to high volume and do not require a reply.
Step 4: Respond with Professionalism and Grace (if you choose to respond)
How you respond to literary agent rejection can significantly impact your future opportunities. A respectful and gracious response reflects your professionalism and keeps the door open for future submissions. Agents appreciate when writers handle rejection with maturity and humility because it shows a positive and cooperative attitude.
First, express gratitude for the agent’s time and consideration. A simple “Thank you for reviewing my manuscript” goes a long way. Acknowledge any feedback they may have provided. This shows your appreciation for their insights and your willingness to learn and grow from the experience.
Also, let them know you understand their decision and mention your interest in submitting future work. Something like, “I understand that my manuscript isn’t the right fit at this time, but I hope to have the opportunity to share more of my work with you in the future.” This leaves a positive impression and communicates your openness to maintaining a professional relationship.
Here’s a short email example that works great. Feel free to copy and use:
Subject: Thank You for Your Consideration Dear [Agent's Name], I hope this message finds you doing well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to review my manuscript, [Manuscript Title]. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my work with you. Thank you for your feedback and insights, which I find incredibly valuable. I understand that my manuscript may not be the right fit for you at this time, but I hope to have the chance to submit more of my work to you in the future. Thank you once again for your consideration and time. Wishing you all the best, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
Step 5: Reflect and Revise (if needed)
Rejection doesn’t have to be a negative. You can also view it as a positive. It can be a chance for you to re-evaluate your manuscript and improve your writing.
First, consider going back to your manuscript with fresh eyes. Take the feedback you received from the agent (if they left any) and view it as a chance to grow and improve. You should also be open to constructive criticism because it can bring up areas that need to be refined that you may not have noticed.
Next, consider joining a critique group where you can engage with other writers. These groups can provide diverse perspectives and the writers can give you helpful advice. They can help you recognize the strengths and weaknesses in your writing. Another great benefit of a critique group is having a supportive network that can motivate and inspire you.
Another valuable option is to hire a professional editor and proofreader. Editors can suggest improvements such as tightening the narrative and enhancing character development. Proofreaders make sure your work is grammatically correct, that there are no typos or spelling and punctuation mistakes, and that everything is perfect before submission. They are the last set of eyes on your work.
"Gone with the Wind" was rejected by 38 publishers. Margaret Mitchell’s determination to tell her story led to one of the best-selling novels of all time.
Step 6: Move Forward with a Positive Mindset
Rejection happens to almost every writer. It’s important to remember that just because your manuscript was rejected doesn’t mean it’s so terrible that it needs to be thrown away and never given a second thought.
You have to keep a positive mindset and move forward. Rejection is unfortunately part of the writing and publishing process. It’s not a personal failure.
One key piece of advice is to keep submitting your manuscript to other agents and publishers. Don’t get discouraged. Just move on to the next potential opportunity.
Instead of focusing on what you can’t control, focus on what you can control: continuing to improve your writing. Set goals for revisions, editing, and refining your manuscript. Attend workshops, join a writer’s group, or work with a mentor to help you develop your skills.
The most important thing to remember is to keep a growth mindset. Think of rejections as chances to learn and get better instead of dead ends. With persistence, determination, and a commitment to ongoing improvement, you can keep making progress toward your publishing goals.
Remember: you are in control of your own destiny.
Stephen King's first novel, "Carrie," was rejected 30 times. Discouraged, he almost gave up. However, his persistence paid off, and he eventually became one of the most successful authors of our time.
Tips:
- Know what literary agents are looking for before you send out your query letter.
- Write a bio section for your query letter to catch the agent’s eye.
- Start your query letter with an attention-grabbing hook that makes agents want to know more.
- Make sure the synopsis in your letter is well-written, free of errors, and makes agents want to read your manuscript.
- Make sure your query letter is error-free and proofread several times before sending.
Conclusion
Rejection is a natural part of the process of finding the right literary agent and, ultimately, publishing success. Learning how to respond to literary agent rejection gracefully is important for maintaining professionalism, building resilience, and keeping future doors open. By processing rejection privately, understanding why it might have happened, responding thoughtfully (if needed), and using each rejection as an opportunity for growth, you can stay focused on improving your writing and refining your manuscript. Each “no” brings you closer to the right “yes,” so continue submitting, improving your skills, and believing in your story. With persistence and positivity, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your publishing goals.
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