Since I'm now looking at queries both here on Disgruntled Bear as well as at Spencer Hill, I've been thinking about how to pass on queries. Right now, I'm fielding fewer than five a day, and some days I don't get any. With this low volume, I usually put in a sentence about why I'm passing. But I'm not sure if I'm helping or just rubbing salt in the papercut. So, BFFs, what do you think? Which would you prefer?
1: Generic: "Thank you, but we're not interested."
2: Specific to the query and pages: "I like your main character, but the opening scene doesn't pull me in. Consider starting at a different place, rather than having everyone just sitting around talking."
If you're a U.S. National, get out there today and vote already!
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9 comments:
I much prefer a tidbit of info. However, as you get swamped, things will be harder to be specific. Also, form rejection is a part of this industry and expected, so it might be easier to send a nicely worded form. Check out the query tracker forum (querytracker.net) and look under the agent tabs - you will see comments on how some agents word their letters for ideas! Good luck.
As a writer, I would appreciate a comment about why the story was rejected but I wouldn't expect the feedback. I know how time-consuming the industry is.
I would love personal feedback. So much of querying is a guessing game for the writer.
I think it depends.
A form rejection can be good if there are so many problems (pacing, dialogue, plotting, grammar) you don't know where to start with the feedback.
And a more detailed explanation when its just one thing holding you back from saying yes.
That probably didn't help at all. LOL
The personal feedback is great, especially for those of us just trying to break into the business.
But, when you start getting a ton of queries, you may have to resort to the form response.
i would prefer feedback. even if it's: this sucks, try again. at least i'd know if i had something viable or if i was just wasting everyone's time.
I do prefer the feedback - only sometimes it's hard because you might receive a comment that you have a reply for, and the agent really doesn't have time to enter into a back and forth with you...
feedback!
I do think there should never be a form rejection on a partial or full. Never. Ever.
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