Your book is strong! Great voice. But, not quite right for our list.

Dear Readers, Editors, Writers, Friends, Anyone-out-there:

Please tell me what the following means. It is one version of a general response from several editors about MY SISTER'S WEDDING:

"Your book is great! Well, done! Strong voice. But, not quite right for our list."

I have heard this response, written and verbal, from many-a-editor over the years of submitting both on my own and through my beloved agent. I have two questions: 1. What the hell is the "list"? (I know what it is literally but I want to know what it REALLY is.) 2. If the books is great and strong and the voice rocks, why oh why aren't publishers giving me a book deal, like NOW?

If any of you have an answer that I feel really satisfied with, I will send you a free copy of one of my books. Okay? Answers cannot include: "Well, it means exactly what it says. You have good book just not good for there list." Or, any version of that response.

Also, tell me about your rejection stories. Not the long version of them, the short, please!