The Long & the Short Of It

The Long Version

Thank you (so much) for (sending me/submitting/giving me) the (opportunity/chance) to (read/consider) your manuscript/book/query/submission/work/title)

Which I read with interest.

I (appreciated the opportunity/was very glad to have) a (chance/opportunity) to (take a look/review/carefully consider) your (project/work/material))

While (I thought) there was (much to admire/a great deal to recommend/a lot of creativity) here

Unfortunately/Regrettably/I'm sorry to (say/write)/I'm afraid/However/But (in the end)

I (wasn’t quite grabbed enough/didn't feel strongly enough)/(didn't ((((creatively) connect/fall enough in love/pull me in as much as I had hoped) (with the writing))/love it enough/feel passionately enough/feel sufficiently excited about)/struggled to connect with) (the material)) in (the way that I needed to/a meaningful way)

I hate to say (this is going to be a pass/I’m passing on (this particular/your) (pitch/project)) which I have considered but must (decline/pass)) so I am going to step aside for now

It's (just) (isn't right/not/does not sound like) the (best/right) fit) for (me/my list/what I am currently looking for)

To (request pages/represent this effectively/take the novel further/successfully represent/take it further/take it on/be the most effective champion/offer (you) representation/(think I’d be) the right agent (for this)

At this (time/moment)

But I appreciate you sending it to me.

I’m sure you’ll understand that because of the (high/extremely high) volume of submissions we receive, (unfortunately/however) (we are not able/it is impossible/unable) to (correspond with everyone personally/reply to each one) with (detailed/individual) feedback.

Certain elements of the premise grabbed my attention

This is no reflection on the quality or potential of the book

(Publishing/mine) is a(n) (incredibly) (selective/subjective) (industry/opinion) and (others/another agent) (will/may) (feel differently/have a completely different (opinion/tastes) from mine

What doesn’t fit one agent may be an excellent fit for another/I do recommend that you try some other agents/there are numerous agents out there that may be a good fit

I wish you (all the) best (of luck) (as you move forward/on your writing journey) (in/with) (your search for representation/finding a (the right match/good home) for your work/your future queries/your future writing endeavours/finding (the perfect/an) agent who can (represent/be an enthusiastic champion for) your work (with the enthusiasm it deserves)

Thanks. All (the) (good/best/warmest) (wishes/regards/luck). Sincerely,

The Short Version

Thank You/Interest/No/Feedback/Subjective/Other Agent/Best Luck