Thank you for contacting us. We have given careful consideration to your work and regret that we cannot take it on. We wish you all the best as a writer.

That was number 7.

You know the lamest rejection I've received? It was about two years ago, when I was trying to find an agent for Book 1. I sent off 5 pages and a query and got a form-style email asking me to send the first three chapters. I was stoked, because this agent has a great reputation and has made a lot of sales to big houses. So I sent it off. I waited a long time. Truthfully, I forgot about it. Having a baby sort of does that. Anyway, months later, I don't know how many exactly, I get my three chapters back in my SASE with a greeting card (yeah, weird) with a Bible verse in it. Okay, whatever. But way up in the corner of the card on the left side is "Sorry for the late return of your materials."--in the handwriting of a child.

I thought it was a joke. Seriously! Here's an agent that says presentation is half of it, that professionalism goes a long way in a business like hers, and yet this is the kind of schlock she corresponds with? A freaking greeting card rejection written by a kid? COME ON!

Little sore over that one still.

Needless to say, she's not on my list this time around.