Why Manuscripts Get Rejected Back to Blog
I’ve literally got dozens and dozens of reference books in my office. Some are plot-related (how to murder/maim/investigate a crime scene, etc.) while others are craft-oriented.
One of my favorite writing-craft research books is Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies (gotta love the Dummies books) by Leslie Wainger (with Harlequin). One of the chapters that I found interesting in this particular book was Chapter 22, otherwise known as the “Ten Reasons Why A Manuscript Gets Rejected” chapter.
Here are the reasons cited:
1. Bad Writing
2. Unsympathtic/unlikeable characters
3. Unrealistic characters
4. Boring stories–nothing happens!
5. Illogical plots
6. Outdated story or character
7. Poor research
8. A book billed as a romance when it isn’t
9. Bad fit–or not the right publishing house for the work
10. Incorrect formatting
Now, I’ll confess–number 10 gave me pause. However, Ms. Waigner writes “Books that are obviously formatted incorrectly don’t even get read. Obvious mistakes include single-spacing your manuscript, improperly paragraphing, making your margin too narrow, having dialogue written in italics instead of quotes, and having your text written in all caps.”
So, a note to those planning to send off submissions–make absolutely certain you check a publisher’s formatting guidelines!
Anyone out there want to weigh in with other reasons why you suspect manuscripts get rejected? Hmm? Personally, I’d like to add a little note to #9–I think the “Bad Fit” situation could be extended to include “Bad Time”–some stories might not sell b/c a house JUST bought a similar story or because there is a glut in the market or b/c there’s only room for one western romance every three months…
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I agree with your add on there, Cynthia. I used to think all the houses that said they took subs direct had someone steadily working through the pile, not always the case. Naive, who me? 🙂 Also, if the schedule for the alloted buying time ahead is full, MSs might automatically get rejected. Just guessing, but it makes sense from the publishers PoV.
I’m agreeing with your add-on too. I also think “personal taste” should be in that list too. We read so often about books that are turned down by multiple editors and then sell and become bestsellers. This happened to JK Rowlings, Stephen King, Grisham, and many more.
Personally, I think there should be two sections. Why Manuscripts Get Rejected After the First Page and Why Manuscripts Get Rejected After Reading the Whole Thing. Most of that list you quoted must apply to category #1, category #2 would be more the not fitting the line, personal taste, timing and other niggles.
Thanks for your input, Saskia! And I definitely think you’re right–it does make sense from the publishers PoV.
Hi, Edie! Personal taste should definitely be on the list. This business is just so subjective!
Michelle, you’re right–a two section break down would be better b/c I do beleive manuscripts get rejected in the exact manner you’ve described. Some after a first page read-through and others (those with the strong potential) after a full read.