Finally-not a rejection letter!

Subject: Re: Finally-not a rejection letter! Sun Jun 15, 2008 5:32 am

I submitted requested materials to a highly respected military publisher. They emailed me quickly they would be looking them over. A month later they asked for further materials, including the manuscript. They had it for two months and then I got the following email:

After a lengthy evaluation, I am sorry to report that we are going to pass on your book. It has nothing to do with the quality of your work but is a matter of marketing prospects. We can only do a limited number of books per year and have to choose carefully, balancing dollar prospects with mission enhancement and a few lesser factors. In a better world we would be able to publish books solely on their merit and their contributions to the greater good, but as we well know, this is less than an ideal world – one in which “compromise” is the all-too-frequent watchword.

There was some definite interest in doing your book, but in the end, other manuscripts won out. I know you feel strongly that there is a substantial potential market for this book, but our marketing experts do not see enough potential for us to take on this book in lieu of other more promising prospects.

It is always possible that we are wrong, and in that light I hope you will not be discouraged by this and continue to look for a publisher. You might try Potomac Books as an alternative. They publish a fair amount of quality military books.

I sincerely wish you luck in placing this fine work with a good publisher.

I was very disappointed, but my husband pointed out the good things in this letter, and it is farther than I have ever gotten. I queried Potomac Books but they sent a regular rejection, and I have the next publisher selected. That publisher says to send any rejections that give reasons for rejection besides quality of work. I'm thinking about including this.

So, Pol, no matter what happens, you got beyond the query letter!! I know what the waiting is like. Keep hoping. I am.

Carol

Subject: Re: Finally-not a rejection letter! Sun Jun 15, 2008 6:03 am

Carol, I would say that this was a good letter, and would include it with the next submission per the publisher's request. Good luck with this, I am certain it is a wonderfull manuscript, and sure to find a home.
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Zada Connaway
Mother's Journals: parts 1, 2 and 3 ISBN # 1-4241-6969-0

http://www.zadaconnaway.com/

Subject: Re: Finally-not a rejection letter! Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:02 am

Good news--and best of luck!

Malcolm
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Malcolm R. Campbell

http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com

Subject: not a rejection letter! Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:39 am

Thanks, Carol! Very Happy

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Pol McShane
www.polmcshane.com
www.johnnyjoey.com