When you were beginning your freelance career and received rejections from editors (one-liner's that basically say "No, but thanks for thinking of us."), did you send an e-mail back saying "thank you for responding" or would editors rather you didn't respond to a rejection?
I always, always write an editor back and thank him or her for responding. Hell, I'd do it even if she just sent me a note saying, "NO." I've never heard that editors find this annoying, and frankly, I think it's the courteous thing to do. Think of it this way: you don't know them, they don't know you. You send them an unsolicited note, which, while technically part of their job to read, really isn't a requirement since you're a stranger, and they not only take the time to read it, they actually respond. The polite thing to do is let them know that you appreciated their time. Yeah, yeah, I know you're reading this and thinking, "hey, they're not doing me any favors by replying to a query, since it's the least they can do," and you're not wrong. But what I'm saying is that since plenty of editors DON'T reply to unsolicited emails, it's nice to genuinely thank the ones who do.
Besides, you can never go wrong by being unfailingly polite....regardless of the situation or industry. In fact, I'd use your thank you note to let this editor know that you not only appreciate his or her feedback and time, but that you'll also be in touch again with new ideas. This forces you to get your rear in gear and generate another query, and also gives him or her the heads-up that you'll be emailing again. This time, maybe you won't be considered such a stranger.
Btw, this same logic applies to agent queries as well. Even if an agent sent me a flat-out form rejection, I'd shoot back a quick note saying, "Thanks for your time. I really do appreciate the response." And you know what? I remember doing this for Jennifer Jackson of the Maass Agency, and the next day, she blogged about how that week she'd gotten thanked from a few writers whom she'd rejected and how professional and courteous we were. So...that's straight from the agent's mouth. It never hurts to leave a good impression, even if they're the ones who are kicking you to the curb.
Anyone else always thank the very people who are rejecting them?
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5 comments:
Allison, your thank you notes are all email ones, correct? Yet what if you had snail mailed queries or idea pitches, would you still email the thank you?
I always thank the agents. And when they tell me it's not personal, it's all subjective, yadda yadda, I tell them in my thank you note that I understand, that just like some people enjoy some movies, others may not take to the subject. It's totally nothing personal.
I thank the contest judges that take the time to read my chapters and add constructive comments. And even the ones that aren't so constructive...
I hadn't thought about thanking agents and editors though...just assumed they're so inundated with mail, they'd like it minimized in whatever way possible.
Yes, Ma'am... all the time. :-)
I always thanked agents for rejections that came by email. And contest judges too.
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