TOPIC: Rejection Letters: "The Offer" (Part 4)

If you go back over the last few posts on this topic I'm sure you'll see the striking differences in each form of rejection letter. Each type have become more personalised and attentive to detail - all steps in the right direction. Whether you're submitting to agents or editors you can use these as a guide on how to interpret the contents of your letters.

This week I'm sharing "The Offer" letter. The one goal you've been working hard towards. (Keep in mind this is all based on my limited experience - hey, I've only ever had one "offer" and it happened to be with an agent but I'm always hopeful I'll be widening my experience in this field in the near future! ;-) )

EXAMPLE

Dear Kylie,

I find myself frustrated at the difference between our time zones, at the second, as I'm assuming you're still asleep.  (The internet tells me that it's 4:44am by you, right now.)

Anyway, I know this is rather sudden, but I'd like to officially offer you representation.  The reasons for this are two-fold:

1. You write well and even from the two partials you sent me, I can tell that your books will sell to a publisher.  I would normally prefer to read the entire full manuscript first, but this brings me to point 2...

2. Editor A at Publishing House A, who is their romance editor, is desperately looking for a full manuscript to fill a hole in her publishing schedule.  I would like to jump on this chance for you, since I think Publishing House A would be an ideal place for Manuscript A.

I'll be spending the rest of the day reading Manuscipt A; I'd love to chat with you on the phone, but I think we're going to need to set up a time, due to the time differences.  I have very inexpensive long distance from my home phone line, so I can call you.

(SHE GOES ON TO OUTLINE HER SCHEDULE AND ASKS IF WE CAN FIND A TIME THAT SUITS BOTH OF US FOR A PHONE CALL). That will give me a chance to get most of Manuscript A read.  I am very excited about your writing, and I really would love to work with you.

I've been using http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html to figure the corresponding times between you and I out.  I'm in the same time zone as New York City (40 miles south of it), and I've been using Sydney for your time zone.

Best,
Agent X

When this sort of letter arrives you sit there, stunned and shell-shocked. Suspicious you've imagined the content, you re-read the letter because you were expecting just another rejection. When you realise it's NOT then, believe me, emotion overwhelms you - you will cry, and scream, and dance, and re-read the letter a hundred more time, and then panic because you wonder what to do next.

HINT: Give yourself a day or two to calm down and reboot your brain so you can think logically and prepare for the next step in your journey - deciding what to do!

I hope this series of postings has been useful. All the best on your journey to publication!