Dear Writer:
Many thanks for sharing your idea or your work with us. Alas, we have to reject what you have been kind enough to submit. We only handle adult book-length fiction and nonfiction. Either you submitted something else, or because of today’s demanding market, we are unable to help you achieve the success you want.
Although we have sold books to more than 100 publishers since 1972, our clients’ work is still rejected. Nor do all of the books that we do sell succeed. Like editors, we love to get excited about new books and writers. But the hardest part of our job is finding books to sell, and it’s getting harder. The only way that we can make a living is by selling books to the large and medium-sized New York publishers, and selling books by new writers to major publishers is becoming more difficult.
Like editors, we receive thousands of submissions a year and reject more than ninety percent of them. This forces us to use a form letter. But take heart. Rejecting manuscripts that become successful is a publishing tradition. Assume we are wrong. Persevere until your books reach the goals you set for them.
We usually can’t suggest another agent or a publisher, but the Association of Authors Representatives, directories and your professional networks will lead you to the agent you need.
We can’t make a living saying no, but as author Joe Girard says: “Every no gets you closer to yes.” Thanks again for giving us the opportunity to represent you. Our website, larsen-pomada.com, has information that you may find helpful. We wish you the best of luck with your writing.
Yours for Good Books that Sell (Especially When They’re Yours!),
Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen