What I Look For In A New Submission

I thought I would give you a glimpse into what I am looking for when a submission comes across my desk (essentially my inbox). I know that so many of you probably get a rejection letter from an editor or an agent and ask yourself, "But what is it that they really wanted?" You read their submission guidelines. You did your research. You did everything they asked, and still, they passed on the project. Ugh.

I want to first remind all of you that this business is SUBJECTIVE! In fact, this is one of those comments I say far too often in rejection letters. We all have to remember that what one person likes, another person does not like. If you are a reader, and I am sure you are, you know what I mean. Your best friend recommends a book and they totally loved it. You, on the other hand, totally hated it. The same happens here. All editors and agents are indeed actively looking, but there will be times when your story ends up in the hands of someone it just doesn't connect with. Bummer.

But, with that said, I do want to let you know we are all trying our best to be as objective as possible. Still, here are some things I look for in a project:

DO YOU HAVE A UNIQUE PREMISE THAT IS MARKETABLE? When I read that query letter and your submission package, do you have something that a reader would find appealing. Remember, we read those book blurbs to decide if we want to buy that book when we are in a bookstore? Editors and agents are doing the same thing. Is your story something that the market is currently interested in? Do you throw a different spin on those common themes that make it sound appealing? It is all about that first hook. That, unfortunately, is why your query letter, your synopsis, or your pitch is so important!

CAN YOU EXECUTE THAT PREMISE IN THE WRITING? OK, so you hooked me on the premise. As I read your story, can you write? This is really telling. Honestly, this is also the reason, I often do not ask for a full of your story from the beginning. We can easily tell if you have a command of the craft in those first few pages. It is not rocket science. If I read a story and it feels forced, and that the author is clearly doing things because some workshop, blog or how-to book told them to do so, then I will pass on the project. The writing should flow organically off the page. Your readers will be looking for the same thing.

CAN YOU HOOK ME WITH THE WRITING? This is all about your writing wanting me to keep going. Write it well and I will want to keep turning the pages. Create characters I find appealing and I want to read more. Create a romance that I want to see the two characters reach a happily ever after, you have done it.

DO YOU DEMONSTRATE A KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS AND YOUR CAREER? Look, this is a career to advance your writing. This is not a career where I should have to teach you about the business. If you are asking questions when we talk, or writing things in your query letter that give me a sense you are clued out, I will be passing. When people start talking to me about quitting their day job on their first book, or telling me that this is a book the George Clooney will want to star in, you are showing me you are truly living in a fictional world.

 

In the end, I am looking at your stories just like a reader would. Will I pick up your book at Barnes and Noble? Will I auto-buy your book on Amazon? When I have the book in my hand, will I want to read the whole book in one sitting and then beg for your next book? If so, then you have done your job!