An Open Letter of Complaint

In early 2025 I was invited by Perth author Annabel Smith to write a Letter of Complaint for her monthly ‘To Whom It May Concern’ at the Rechabite in Perth.

Rather than posturing and saying ‘what me? I never complain about anything’ I knew exactly what I wanted to whinge about. It was a wonderful, raucous night and I’m reposting my letter below (slightly modified since you won’t get the full effect of my physical comedy).

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Dear Australian Publishers…

Dear Shannon,
Hope you’re going very well – I’ve carved out some reading time this week and have had a chance to look through your manuscript. I found a lot to like here! There are some wonderful moments of characterisation and dialogue, and I loved the way you introduce readers to each character so organically in each chapter.
There are, however, a couple of reasons I think this probably wouldn’t be the right fit at the moment. [here they give some well-considered reasons]
Sorry if this response sounds discouraging! That’s not my intention at all – just to say that we haven’t found the right fit. I really hope you find the right publishing home for it and future novels – your skill is plain to see on the page!
Signed, from an Australian Publisher

I am writing this letter of complaint to you, all the other Australian publishers who don’t feel it is necessary to send letters of rejection to the authors who submit their work for consideration.

It can be done, as the example provided clearly shows.
This rejection letter is exemplary. It not only tells the author that the publisher actually read the book, but they also provide reasons why they are not able to publish and finish with a personal note of encouragement.

This is the type of rejection letter you frame and hang on the wall, but to be honest, I’d be happy with a rejection letter that says:

Dear [insert name here]
Thank you for submitting your manuscript. We won’t be publishing it.
Sincerely
Publisher

Sure, it’s short and a bit rude and you haven’t even bothered to put my name in, but at least it’s an acknowledgement.

Because what other industry, which is 100% dependent on the creative work of others, advertises for clients, asks to be shown the product of that work without payment — work that might have taken years to produce — and then thinks it’s acceptable to just… ignore… the applicant?

[Here I hold up a very long scroll of paper, which is actually a print out of my Excel spreadsheet] This is the list of all the books and stories and grant applications and competitions I have entered over the past 14 years. 35 have been published. I did receive plenty of rejection letters, but for at least 50 submissions I was ignored. Ghosted.

“If you have not heard from us within 6 months, assume we’re not interested.”
“3 months.”
“10 weeks.”
“Assume we’re not interested.”

Well, I don’t know if you ever heard the saying but if you assume something you’re making an ass out of someone.
And, to be frank, in this situation, I’m going to say you’re the ass.

Because, dear publisher, I spent two years working on that book and you couldn’t spend two minutes writing a rejection letter.

I don’t care if it’s a form letter. I don’t care if you get the work experience kid to write it. Just put me out of my misery. A clean shot through the heart.

Reject me, but don’t ignore me.

It’s just good manners.

Because I’m helpful, I wrote some rejection letters for you. Feel free to use them for any future writers you want to throw against the rocks.

Dear author
Your work is much too good for us. Please go elsewhere.

Dear author
I’m just not vibing with this piece but thanks anyway.

Dear author
Thank you for trusting me with your manuscript and giving me the opportunity to see inside a piece of your heart. What you achieved by finishing this book and having the courage to send it out into the world is phenomenal, and even though we are not able to take it further, please remember that what you have done here, few others can do, and you should be proud. Thank you and keep writing.

So, dear publisher, I trust you will take my complaint seriously and I look forward to being rejected in due course.

Sincerely
Shannon