PSA for Querying Writers: I’ve been trying to find a witty way to say this for a while, but I think it’s best to keep it simple. If an agent tells you they don’t think you’re ready, or that your work needs work, this is BETTER than a form rejection. Even if that’s all they offer.

Caveat #1: it doesn’t mean they’re always right. Sometimes it just means they don’t see your vision, or get your voice, or have a clear idea for how to help sell your work.

But the fact that they took the time to analyze means they thought you’d listen, that it’s worth the risk.

What risk, you might ask? Well. I don’t think most writers realize how often agents’ efforts to clarify our decisions are met with resentment, vitriol, even threats. When we take the time to really consider a project before passing, we get blamed for getting a writer’s hopes up.

When we are comprehensive in our reasons for passing on an author or project, more often than not, we’re punished for that honesty. Writers tell us we’re wrong, in spite of our industry experience, that we’re part of the problem—even if all we did was try to describe the problem.

As an agent I’m very open about the fact that I don’t personally believe publishing is fair. Or that it follows the same path/rules for every aspiring author. I work hard to level the playing field, but it is still not level. There many traps and holes. I map them the best I can.

I don’t get paid extra to map these hazards, and I don’t benefit directly from sharing my thoughts about the landscape with authors I don’t yet represent, can’t represent (because they write things I don’t rep, or because I realize I’m not equipped for their journey) but I try.

Caveat #2: I’m not saying agents are purely altruistic, or that we deserve a parade for sometimes going beyond our job description. I’m happy to share, because I believe publishing should be more transparent/collaborative.

But I don’t think I or my fellow agents deserve abuse.

TLDR: If you don’t feel like thanking the agent who passed on your work for the advice they shared, or the info you learned about publishing because of the experience, that’s fine. We’re used to that. But don’t act like we owed, misled, or betrayed you. We are not your agent.