As I’ve mentioned before, I spent a lot of time trying to get an agent. A couple of times (three, to be exact) I succeeded in getting an agent. Unfortunately, Dan Hooker at the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency was not one of them.
I corresponded a number of times with Dan Hooker and he always had an encouraging word, even when (as here) he was sending back not one but two rejections at once. I had high hopes that he would eventually take me on, perhaps for Dragon Stones. Unfortunately, Dan died of melanoma in 2005, so it was not to be.
Even though I never really worked with him, I could tell from his letters that Dan was a dedicated and conscientious agent. Maybe in some alternate universe where the cancer didn’t get him, we’re both getting rich off of the Dragon Stones book, movie, and merchandising tie-ins. I’d like to think so, anyway. And to the James Viscosi of that universe, if you could send some royalties to me through a tear in the space-time continuum, I’d really appreciate it.
Viscosity 
What a kind and decent man he reads to have been.
I’d like him to be my agent from the beyond, too. Hey… think there might be a story in there somewhere?
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He sounds like a lovely man, and one of those who give a writer a little boost instead of doubts: priceless, and clearly not difficult to do. BTW, could you ask your alternate universe you to ask my alternate universe me to give me my Muse back?
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Great letter. Beats the form by a mile.
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Well that sucks. Did hea at least sign it himself or was it a rubber stamp?
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I can’t wait to get my first rejection letter. Call me crazy, but it has a nice ring to it. (:
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It sounds like the publishing world lost a great man with Dan Hooker. That was an impressive letter.
I really enjoy your random rejection letters. I don’t feel so alone.
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Ashley Grayson is run by a bunch of rude bitches who get off on being spiteful and mean when they reject you. If you are persistent when you submit to this agency, you’re going to bet blasted with some of the most smartassed, superior smack you’ve ever read.
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Ashley Grayson and Dan Hooker were my agents for quite a few years and I find it difficult to believe that either would have been spiteful or mean to a writer seeking representation.
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Jim says: I agree. I had nothing but good experiences corresponding with them. (And is it just my imagination, or are there a lot of people named James commenting on this post?)
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