Egads, Rejected!

Hi Folks,

This update is way overdue, not because the agent took long, but because I'm just getting around to posting her answer! Here it is:

Stephanie,

I’ve been thinking through whether or not I think I could successfully work with you and place your book with a publisher. I think you have an important story to tell and you write well. What I’m sensing is that I currently have hit my maximum number of projects for right now and I don’t think I would be able to take on your book and work with you in a way that you deserve with a lot of time and attention given to your book.

I understand that you need someone who could dedicate that kind of time to you and I’m just not able to right now.

I hope that you will continue to pursue your book idea and to be able to minister to thousands of people who need to hear your message.

So, even though it's not the answer I was hoping for, it was good on many levels:

1. She didn't send a "form rejection letter" with a rubber-stamped signature.

2. She said the reason she couldn't take me on is because she has the max number of clients, not because I have a lousy topic, my writing is awful, or that was the poorest excuse of a proposal she has ever seen.

3. She said I write well.

4. She encouraged me to pursue my book and later asked me to keep her updated on its progress.

Here's a later comment she wrote:

I do hope you continue to pursue your book and I’d love to hear about it along the way. It is a unique book and that will serve you well as others review it.

So, I am hopeful. She also gave me several agents' names to contact (also a rarity!) and said I could mention that she referred me (good sign!). All is not lost, and I have my fingers crossed, so please pray that I can get these queries written soon and out the door, and that someone will "sign me up!"

How about you? Do you have any advice for me? Feel free to leave it in the comments section.