Gar, a rejection doesn't necessarily mean they didn't like it. It's just as likely to mean that what they got doesn't fit what they were expecting, or that it simply doesn't match their line, or their direction, or any one of a number of other possible variables.

Harken to the wise woman. As a lit journal editor, I kick away perfectly respectable writing -- some that I actually enjoy -- all the time, simply because it doesn't fit right with what we've got going on.

Exaxtly what Victor said. If they saw a partial or sample chapters, and asked to see the rest on that basis, they were fine with the writing. Hell, for all you know, it didn't fit their politics.

They went right from a 1 page query to a full manuscript. So it could have been the writing.

On the other hand the smaller publisher asked to see more chapters on the basis of a full proposal and sample chapters and is having those chapters evaluated by an outside consultant. So I'm still hopeful on that end.

Gar, your agent, the editor, the crew all may have loved it. The publisher may have too, but just didn't have another slot in the schedule for it. I know it is useless to say this, but don't take it personally.

Wrap the baby up and send it out again.

Sure - I'm putting it out as many places as possible. I have every intention of keeping on plugging.

So, for those who are poetically inclined, there's a poetry contest through the International Library of Poetry. Twenty lines or less, cash prizes. You can enter here.

So, for those who are poetically inclined, there's a poetry contest through the International Library of Poetry. Twenty lines or less, cash prizes. You can enter here.

It's a scam. Stay away from it.

Damn! I fail.

How does the scam work?

Everyone wins, and they encourage you to buy the book - why not a copy for each of your relatives?