The house. Thank you for submitting your material but, unfortunately, this is not right for our list. List in this instance refers to a publisher's portfolio of products. Anyone who's ever received a rejection letter is familiar with that sentence or something similar. Sure, a lot of times, it's just code for 'Your manuscript stinks!’ But there are plenty of times when it means just what it says. They may already have mystery series that is similar to yours, or you may be writing in an area that not one of their fortes Each publishing house has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some publishing houses do well with true crime while others will not touch it. Some have great success with cosy mysteries, and others find them utter failures.