This last summer, I started using Query Manager at the encouragement of others in the business. "It's so easy to keep track of submissions," they said. Personally, my spreadsheet that I use with my regular submissions, as well with with the new Query Manager systems seems to be working fine, but hey, if people want it, I'm willing to give it a try.
And yet, this is far from a successful experinece.
First of all, so many authors just hit send to everyone who they think "is accepting their genre." Do they go to the website to see what we really want? Nope. So they end up with rejections simply because they did not do their research.
Secondly, when we have to set up our Query Manager page, we have to identify what we accept. For me, as you all know, I ONLY accept ROMANCE and WOMEN'S FICTION. But for anyone who understands the business of publishing, these do have subcategories such as Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense and so forth...
Query manager does not have that option...
So I have to mark things such as Historical, Paranormal as well as just standard Romance. I make sure I post in as many places where I think authors should be reading that I only take romance and women's fiction. And yet, clearly these writers do not read. I am sorry but I do not read WWII Naval Sea Battle stories. Is this historical? Yes. Is it Historical Romance, absolutely not.
Finally, query letters are like cover letters. When you send in that resume, and you include a cover letter, you take the time to demonstrate to the employer how you fit with what that company is looking for in a candidate.
In all honesty, if you want to reduce the number of rejections you get, quit using Query Manager. There is a reason why so many agents and editors like it. We can simply hit decline with that form letter (similar to the one you just sent us) and get on with the rest of our day.