http://www.writersworkshop.co.uk/blog/a-rejection-letter-to-avoid/
No longer sending rejection letters, sending rejection letters which offer to hook you up with a self-publishing services company.
To echo what Harry says in that blog: THIS IS NOT OKAY.
It's even more not okay because plenty of people might think that because it's from an agent, it's kosher. It isn't. It's spammy and unpleasant and it is not how agents do business.
Agents make their money by selling rights to publishers. Not by charging writers, not by selling self-publishing packages.
And if you do ever get something like this, let Harry know, or let Victoria Strauss at WriterBeware know.
Don, well done.
Another sharp-practise exposed. It has been well publicised that publishers have been guilty of sharp-practises as well. For example, a damning article about Random House springs to mind about electronic rights. There is already a rapidly growing market of literary services available for would-be authors. Publishers are keen to grab a share of the self-publishing market. Many do offer good services but the majority give poor value for money, others are a rip-off. The would-be author should beware anything that involves he or she parting with their money.
Thanks for showing us this!
Debbie