What Does It Really Mean When an Agent Rejects Your Query?

Decoding Common Responses to Queries

Navigating the query trenches can be confusing, especially when you receive responses that feel vague or cryptic. Often, agents use specific phrases in their rejections, but what do they really mean?

As someone who’s been on both sides of the process, I know how difficult it can be to interpret these responses. So, let’s decode some of the most common things agents say and what they actually mean.

Common Literary Agent Rejections Decoded:

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

"This is not a fit for my list."

This is one of the most common phrases you’ll see, and it’s essentially a polite way of saying, “Thank you, but no thank you.” When an agent says this, they’re not diving into the specific reasons why your manuscript wasn’t for them—it’s just a gentle pass.

Here’s why: For an agent, deciding whether to take on a new manuscript is like putting together a puzzle. There are a lot of moving pieces to consider. It’s not just about whether they like your story; they’re also weighing:

• What editors are currently looking for

• Market trends and where your manuscript fits in

• Their existing client list—do they already represent something similar?

• The long-term potential of working with you as an author

• Workload—both current and projected for the next few months

So when you see, “This isn’t a fit for my list,” it’s often about more than just your story. It could be the timing, the market, or any number of factors that simply didn’t align. And sometimes, the agent just knows it’s not a match without needing to articulate the reason in detail.

"The execution didn’t pull me in."

This phrase is a little more straightforward. It means that the concept or premise of your story likely has potential, but the execution—the writing itself, the pacing, the character development—didn’t live up to that potential.

Essentially, the agent might have liked your pitch but felt that the actual manuscript didn’t deliver on that promise. If you hear this, it’s time to revisit your craft. Consider getting more feedback from critique partners, taking some writing workshops, or deepening your revisions. It’s a sign that your idea is strong, but your writing might need a little more polish.

"I didn’t connect with the voice."

This often means the narrative tone or the way your characters come across didn’t resonate with the agent. Voice is a crucial factor, and it’s also a very subjective one. What works for one agent might not work for another.

(And this response to marginalized authors/concepts is a whole other blog post in itself)

"I already represent something similar."

This one is more self-explanatory. Agents are careful not to put their authors in direct competition with one another, so if they’re already working with an author on a project with similar elements, they might pass to avoid the conflict.

"I didn’t feel it had a strong enough hook."

This means that while the agent saw potential, they didn’t think the story stood out enough in a crowded market. It’s a reminder that when it comes to highly competitive genres, having a unique angle or a strong hook is critical to grabbing an agent’s attention.

Why Agents Use Form Rejections

Let’s talk about form rejections for a minute. Many agents—myself included—would prefer to give personalized feedback, but the reality is that the volume of queries we receive can make that impossible. Agents are often faced with a difficult choice: give personalized responses and fall behind on queries, or use form responses to ensure every author gets an answer in a timely manner.

Personally, I’ve had to lean more on form rejections recently due to the sheer volume of queries I receive, as well as some unfortunate experiences with authors responding harshly to feedback. It’s a difficult balancing act, but please know that if you receive a form rejection, it’s not because we don’t care. It’s simply the best way to ensure we can keep up with the flow of submissions while still doing our best for the authors we represent.

Rejection is Part of the Process

Here’s the thing: Rejections are hard, but they’re not the end of your journey. It’s important to remember that when an agent passes, it’s not necessarily about the quality of your work. There are so many factors—market trends, agent workload, personal taste, and timing—that come into play.

But you can take action after a rejection. Surround yourself with a community of writers who will not only support you emotionally but also help you grow. You need people in your corner who can give you constructive feedback—feedback that pushes you to improve. A simple “I love this” isn’t enough. You want critique partners who will dig deep and help you refine your work so that it’s the best it can be.

So, the next time you get a rejection, take a breath and remember—rejection is a part of every writer’s journey. It’s all part of the puzzle. Keep honing your craft, keep putting yourself out there, and keep moving forward.