Tasteful but Harsh

Hi Miriam,

I'm emailing about your pitch for work. I'm really sorry, but I've offered the work to another author. Your pitch was fantastic, your work on the last guide was great, and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in commissioning you. It's just unfortunate for you that there's another keen and available author whose work is equally excellent, and she happens to live in XXX, which means a significant saving on research costs. I need to consider the book's profitability as well as its quality.

I haven't actually contracted XXX yet, but she's informally accepted my offer. If something unforeseeable happens and I'm suddenly looking for another author, I'll be in touch. But I wanted to let you know this news now rather than keep you hanging.

It's hard to know whether to deliver this news in person or by email. I'm more than happy to talk about it over coffee or something if you'd like to.

Thanks again for your pitch, and I'm sorry it hasn't worked out the way you'd hoped. I wish I could have contracted both of you.