This week, I’ve found myself in limbo, waiting for responses to finalize work projects. Meetings postponed, emails unanswered—it’s a frustrating state of suspension. It’s reminded me of a reality that many writers face during the querying process: ghosting.
Querying agents and editors can already feel like a daunting process. Writers put their hearts on the page, crafting the perfect pitch, only to send their work out into the void. The silence that follows can be deafening.
We all understand that everyone has busy schedules and backlogs to manage. But how long does it really take to send a simple “no, thank you”? Choosing not to respond is, in itself, a decision—a decision that leaves writers questioning everything.
When a query goes unanswered, it can feel like your work isn’t just rejected, but irrelevant. Writers are left to wonder:
- Was my work so bad it didn’t deserve a reply?
- Did my email get lost in the shuffle?
- Am I completely invisible?
The truth is, ghosting often stems from discomfort. Many people fear confrontation or don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, so they choose silence. Ironically, this can hurt more than an honest rejection. Writers are resilient; we can handle a polite “no.” What’s harder to endure is the endless waiting, the not knowing.
Simple Solutions to End the Silence
There are ways to address this. If time or emotional bandwidth is an issue, here are a few suggestions:
1. Auto-Responses: Create a standard rejection email. It can be short and polite—something like, “Thank you for your submission, but this project isn’t the right fit for me at this time. Best of luck!”
2. Set Expectations: If you have a policy of only replying to submissions you’re interested in, state it clearly on your website or submission guidelines. That transparency helps writers manage their expectations and time.
3. Provide Timelines: If you need more time to consider a project, let the writer know with a simple acknowledgment or update.
These small gestures can make a big difference. Writers aren’t asking for personalized feedback on every submission—just clarity and respect for their time and effort.
The Long Wait
I’ve heard stories of writers who received responses years after sending a query. Others have had promising initial interactions only to be met with silence when following up. While no reply might be the standard for some, it’s important for agents and editors to recognize the emotional toll this takes. If the policy is “no response means no,” make it explicit. Writers will respect the boundary if they know it exists.
At the end of the day, we’re all short on time. Ghosting wastes everyone’s time—not just the writer’s, but also the agent’s or editor’s, as the system becomes clogged with follow-ups and uncertainties. A simple “no” can free up a writer to move forward, to query someone who might say “yes,” and to focus on their work.