We didn't quite fall in love with this as we had hoped, 

I’m sorry to say that.

I just wasn’t as completely drawn in by the material 

as much as I had hoped. 

I just wasn't enthusiastic enough about this.

Your premise is interesting, 

but 

I'm not as enthusiastic about the voice as I need to be. 

What with my reservations, I’d better bow out. 

 

Phone 

keeps track of passing time

passing friends

passing opportunities

phone keeps track of

rejection notifications.

 

This will pass, too. 

Soon.

 

Your project does not sound like a fit for me at this time, 

and so I 

will have to pass. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t for me, 

so I must pass.

Unfortunately, while a great amount of work has clearly gone into your book, 

we don't see that it's quite right for us, 

and so are 

going to have to pass. 

I don't feel like this project is 

quite 

the right fit for me,

 so I am 

going to pass.

Unfortunately, I will have to pass. 

Unfortunately, we've decided to pass.

​​While it's an interesting project, 

I'm afraid 

I have to pass.

I'm sorry, but your project doesn't sound like a great fit for me.

I'm sorry to say the project is not a perfect fit for me at this time.

 

I’ve shared your query with my team here

—interesting stuff, 

just not for my weak heart. 

 

After careful consideration, we have decided not to pursue your project.

Thanks but we do not feel we can pursue this project.

It is a subjective business.

 

Numbers game, 

but a subjective one.

template reply worthy

personal rejection worthy

spam

recycling bin.

 

Your manuscript is chillingly relevant. 

I did enjoy reading this.

However, 

as needed as this story is 

with your impressive credentials, 

we're afraid 

we may not be right for you.

 

As I'm sure you know, 

publishing is very subjective, 

and it's quite possible 

you'll find someone else who feels differently. 

 

Thank you for your submission, as well as for your patience.

Thank you, but this isn’t for me. 

I appreciate you reaching out,

wish you good luck 

in finding someone

who can successfully champion your work.

 

But it will not be me.

 

I think your book has potential, 

but we can't find a way to make it work for us. 

 

Sifting through crab grass

in the cracks of the sidewalk

at 7-Eleven, at Cumbies, at Kum&Go, at Maplefields, at Circle K

looking for a clover.

 

We wish you the best of luck, and know you will find the right home for it.

Please know that we are very selective with the materials that we request. 

Our decision is not a judgment on the quality of your book 

but on the 

instability and uncertainty 

in the publishing industry. 

We wish you the very best on your publishing journey.

I am lucky to have a very full and active client list 

and for that reason, I've become very 

particular.

Best of luck finding the perfect partner for your story! 

I wish you all the best and hope you find a home for this project soon.

Please forgive this impersonal note. 

Best of luck!

 

Discovering a green soda cap

getting in a rusted car

and driving toward the sun

staring at it, too.

Redundancy, expected. 

 

Please accept my very best wishes for your writing success.

 

We encourage you to keep writing, and we wish you every success.