I found this list about why authors receive a rejection on their manuscripts when I was tidying up my office, so I thought I’d share. For some reason I’ve run across a lot of writers blogging about rejection and how to turn unpublished into published this week. Here are links to some of the great posts I’ve found.
At Passions Muses, Rowan West is talking about rejection. At Escape into Fantasy (Marilu Mann’s blog) Karen McCullough has suggestions on how we as writers can handle rejection. At Title Magic Dianna Love AND Mary Buckham have suggestions on how to break out of the pack of hopefuls to become a published writer.
Reasons Manuscripts are Rejected
1. No Beginning Hook
The author hasn’t started the story in the right place. They’re thrown in the main characters’ backstory plus the kitchen sink instead of starting at the place where the main conflict starts or changes.
2. No Strong Conflict
Each story should have internal and external conflict as well as sexual tension. Without conflict there’s no point to the story.
3. Underdeveloped Characters
Perfect characters are boring. Each character should have flaws, habits, and negative traits along with a good side. Even a villain should have a few good points.
4. Too Many Points of View
In a novella or category length book, two points of view are probably enough—that of the hero and heroine. In long novels it’s possible to have more POV but the point of view characters should play an important part in the story.
5. Too Much Telling
Show your characters in action rather than telling us about what they’re doing during the course of the story.
6. Mechanical Errors
Things like grammar, punctuation, spelling errors, typos, misused words etc could lead to a rejection.
7. Historical Inaccuracy
It’s important to double check facts, especially in historical novels. This also relates to contemporary novels. Check and recheck where necessary.
8. Dialogue
Avoid awkward or inappropriate dialogue. Make sure your characters don’t all sound the same.
9. Not Tightly Written
Every scene should work to drive the story forward. Delete all unnecessary words and scenes.
10. Not a Compelling Read
The main story idea needs to be strong enough to sustain an entire book.
11. Voice
The writer’s voice isn’t engaging.
QUESTION: We all face rejection in one way or another, be it as writers or as individuals going about the process of living. How do you handle rejection? How do you face rejection in your personal or business life? In your writing life?
Related posts:
May 31st, 2008 at 6:19 am · Link
Well I used to cry and get really down,
I get pretty down now, but then I think that well, ok what isn’t working in this story.
Also it could be just not fitting the line at the moment.
It stings, but then I think to myself that I actually am published and that in itself is great achievement.
Goofy I know, but it gets me through.
May 31st, 2008 at 12:09 pm · Link
I couldn’t handle rejection as well as I do without my very understanding and supportive critique partners. You know what they say about a trouble shared……….
I think the thing with rejection is you have to allow yourself time to get over it….. 5 mins…. a day (definitely not too long) then it’s a case of picking yourself up and moving forward (and reminding yourself it’s not personal). Writing is a profession that’s full of rejection so you have to learn to deal with it.
May 31st, 2008 at 5:19 pm · Link
I think knowing that there’s more to purchasing a book than merely liking it helps me. There’s the books they’ve already got lined up, for example.
May 31st, 2008 at 6:01 pm · Link
Amy – yes, not fitting the line or the fact that they might have purchased a similar story can lead to a rejection. Being published is a great achievement, and it’s definitely something you should be proud of!
Sara – friends help, that’s for sure. I agree that writing is a business, and along with the good come a few rejections. I think rejections help us to grow as writers and search for a way to receive an acceptance the next time we send out work.
Julia – good point. Sometimes the rejections are out of our hands.
May 31st, 2008 at 9:23 pm · Link
I’ve got to the point where form rejections don’t bother me at all, but when something’s rejected after an agent or editor has read the partial, then requested the full, said encouraging things – and then rejects – I do get the blahs!
But I soon get over it. It’s a business and I get that. I move onto the next project!
May 31st, 2008 at 10:08 pm · Link
Really awesome post, Shelley. I was just talking about the dreaded “R” the other day with one of my CPs. Great timing.
June 1st, 2008 at 6:10 am · Link
Rejections are the pitts. A friend and I have started a rejection club and whoever gets the most wins. I know its convoluted, but it gets you over that hump of not sending out because you are afraid of the reject and instead of getting depressed about you tend to laugh it off.
June 1st, 2008 at 8:58 am · Link
If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. ;-)
These are really good tips. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Paz
June 1st, 2008 at 4:23 pm · Link
Sandra – a friend and I did the same thing with rejections. I received a lot that year, but also had my first sale. I’m convinced the contest helped me, and of course the lunch that came with it tasted pretty good, too.
Paz – hi! Yes, not giving up is half the battle.
Christina – I agree. Form rejections aren’t so bad.
Hi Cassandra – I’m glad you enjoyed the post.