Emily Rodmell

If you're getting form rejections or rejections with no feedback from editors or agents, consider having people critique your query letter and synopsis in addition to the manuscript. It could be that your pitch isn't selling the book.

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Even though manuscripts are turned in electronically, it's still vital for authors to put page numbers in the manuscript.

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The best way to spot typos before a submission? Read your book out loud or have a computer program do it for you.

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Rejecting submissions is never fun for an editor. But we generally only offer revise and resubmit letters on books that we really want to see again. So if you get one, take advantage. Don't assume it's a rejection. Revise and resubmit.

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Submission tip. When submitting a manuscript or proposal, make sure to save the file with your name and book title in the title of the submission. When an editor/agent reads 37 files labeled "synopsis", it's hard to tell them all apart.

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Setting a realistic deadline that is further out is better than setting an overambitious deadline that will be hard to meet. Everyone works at different speeds. Set deadlines that are right for your life and the time you have to write.

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An ideal synopsis focuses on what happens in the book and is light on backstory. Too many synopses are mostly backstory.

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Spoilers are your friend when pitching to an editor. If there's a juicy twist, tell me all about it. Don't tease like you would in marketing copy.

Does the villain turn out to be the hero's secret twin brother? Then say that rather than alluding to vague family secrets.
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In the publishing world "no" doesn't mean "never". So don't let a rejection stop you in your tracks. Let it push you forward to grow as a writer and make the next book the one that will sell or to find the right match for the rejected book. #PubTip

The first open door is not automatically always the best one to go through. Make sure you do your research on editors, agents and publishers so you can make a wise choice and find a good match.

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When you write a synopsis for an editor or agent, spoil every single twist and turn. Don't tease.

When you write a review, mention the good and bad without spoiling.

When you write promotional material, book blurbs or back cover copy, tease like crazy but don't spoil.

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Your work isn't done when you first type "The end". In fact, no one should see your first draft but you. Self-editing & revising before sending your ms to critique & submission is important. Put your book aside for a few days & then read. Flaws will jump out at you.

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Synopsis tips:

*Save editors' eyes. Double space.
*5-7 pages is ideal length. Avoid more than 10.
*Keep back story to a minimum & focus on what actually happens in the book.
*Make sure to give the entire story. Don't hold back on spoilers. We need to see all twists.

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A revision letter is not a rejection. It's a chance to take your book from "not now" to a contract. Don't assume it's a rejection. Editors don't usually ask for revisions on books that we don't have any hope for. #pubtip

Having trouble getting to "The End"? If you write 1K words a day, you could have a series romance first draft written in 2 months. 4 months for 500 words a day. Consistent word counts add up no matter how small. #pubtip

Submission tips:

*Always try to address it to a particular person.
*Do your research on guidelines.
*Always include synopsis with manuscript submission.
*Hit submit and then focus on the next book.
*Resist the urge to reread submission. You'll inevitably find typos.

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Your first chapter should be intriguing and grab readers' attention. The last chapter should have an exciting ending that ties up all loose ends. The chapters in the middle need to propel the book from chapter 1 to the end. Each one should move book forward in some way. #pubtip

Always send a synopsis with any uncontracted submission. It is what editors use to see if the book is one we want to read further on. 5-7 double spaced pages is the sweet spot for me. #pubtip

Always pad your deadlines. If it takes you three months to write a book, ask for at least four. This gives you time to put it aside and read it again before sending and allows room for when you have to work on edits and such for prior books. #pubtip

Unless you're under deadline, don't submit immediately after writing "The End". If you wait a few weeks and read it with fresh eyes, you'll see things you want to edit and change. This will help you put your best foot forward. #pubtip