A very nice no…

is still a NO.

Lisa,

Thank you so much for sending along THE JUNKMAN’S DAUGHTER. There is so much to love about this manuscript. The voice pulled me in right away, as did your offbeat sense of humor. The mystery is a delicious one as well. The only reason I have been hesitating for a while on this is that the plot seemed a little crowded to me. There’s the whole yarn of them having to figure out how to get the book from the historian. (Going in the hotel room and how they got out of it was one of my favorite scenes!) There’s also the sports/racism/news/University visit. I know it is very important to the plot but it started to feel a little… busy. For a middle grade novel, it sure covers a lot of ground.

Now, I’m very interested in you as a writer. I think you’ve got great talent and potential. But I just don’t think this is 100% ready for me to take on. If you do figure out a way to simplify (or you get similar notes and end up revising), please do think of me. I’d love to read it again.

Thanks!

(Agent I don’t Hate)

So there you have it. The best rejection letter I’ve gotten thus far. Here’s my response to her:

Dear Mary,

Thank you for taking the time to read my manuscript. I appreciate your kind words and constructive feedback. The revision suggestions are great, and I look forward to jumping right in. And by “jumping right in”, I mean “after I drink myself into a mild hangover”.

Seriously, your comments ring true and I believe they will make the book stronger. When I’m done revising, you’ll be the first to know!

Thanks again.

Hey, it’s way better than the one I sent where I threatened VOODOO. I’m growing.