"We have read your manuscript with boundless delight.If we were to publish your paper, it would be impossible for us to publish any work of lower standard.
And as it is unthinkable that in the next thousand years we shall see its equal, we are, to our regret, compelled to return your divine composition, and to beg you a thousand times to overlook our short sight and timidity."
Wow, that's exactly the same wording I got from Random House. And MacMillan. And Warner. And Grove Atlantic. And Mysterious Press.
ReplyDeleteDoubleday was refreshingly original: "What in the world possessed you to imagine we would we want to publish this mess?"
I liked that one.
'Short sight and timidity' - yeah, that sums up the publishing industry, I think in my darker moments.
ReplyDelete