Why You Should Never Respond to a Rejection Letter

As we slog through hundreds of submissions in the slushpile, day after day, week after week, year after year, it is hard not to become the hardened cynical arrogant bastards that many authors think we are. When you see the same mistakes made over and over again, the same cliches done, the same "thinking out of the box" tricks, you sink lower and lower beneath the mounds of manuscripts, grumbling and growling and rolling your eyes the whole way down. But here at KC&A we actually read and respond to every query, with what we hope is a gentle rejection and encouraging words, even as we descend into the depths of slushpile madness. Most authors are professional and only write back to say thank you for the response. But some, some get angry. And then we get responses such as this:

You aren't extremly selective.
This book is the next Harry Poter.
You know about what you're talking.
If you were extremly selective, you would choose my book.
To say that this book isn't selective, it means you know nothing about what works or what doesn't work.
You are the shame of the market.
You discuss me.
THIS BOOK IS EXTRMLY SELECTIVE.
YOU UNDERSTAND NOTHING.
YOU DONT WANNA MAKE MONEY
This is your problem,not mine.
Being extremly selective, I choose that uncapable like you aren't enough strong to sell my  book.
You're fired!!!!

So think before you respond to a rejection. Because we will remember you. And please know this, we did consider your submission. If we rejected it, then for whatever reason it was not a good fit for us. We love our authors and we love books. We want you to succeed as much as you want to.

For more query tips follow Mary on Twitter, @Mary_C_Moore