Based on Joy Azmitia's PM page, I sent an EQ to her today (lit fic, tho she reps mostly non-fic). We'll see what happens. (Still no formal word if Mr. Seldes is retired.)

Update: Form R from JA 1/ 8

Thanks for sending along a query letter for [Title]. I'm sorry to say that it's not quite right for me but I should let you know that a pass isn’t a reflection on your writing. I can never be quite sure what will catch my eye, which is why I look at each and every query I receive, but in the end, there’s no telling what manuscripts and proposals will resonate with me and what I might let slip away.

I receive many submissions on a daily basis and my selection process is highly subjective. I may only pick one out of every fifty submissions for further exploration. I'm sorry that we couldn't see eye to eye on this one but thanks so much for thinking of me! I wish you the best of luck in finding the right agent for your work.

Best regards,
Joy

That's interesting. He's the only one from the agency that reps my genre. Hmm.

10/5: Laura Levin told me in my rejection letter, that the president of Russell and Volkening is retiring and R&V are undergoing a significant transition. They're not taking any client as they're focusing on their existing list and can't offer to present me at this time. My letter is different than Renila's, nothing about retrying in the fall.

Email from intern regarding my partial said that Tim Seldes is retiring and that I was welcome to retry the agency in the fall.

Wow, no one commented here in almost a year. On 5/20, I've sent him a query. Today I've heard back. They said they're not accepting new clients right now, but will be open to submissions in the fall. I will try him again in September.

quick turnaround from receipt of email to rejection.