Emily Rodmell

My dream submission:
1. Written specifically for the line
2. Strong internal/external conflict
3. Intriguing plot
4. Lots of hooks
#pubtip

Too much coincidence in a ms, and you lose readers. Use coincidences sparingly & with purpose, not just to magically fix plot holes. #pubtip

A few things that will and won’t keep you from getting a book contract. #pubtip

Nothing gets me more excited about a ms than a unique, exciting conflict. Don’t always default to H/h being burned by love in past. #pubtip

Once you submit ms to an editor/agent, resist urge to reread it. You will find mistakes that will drive you crazy. Start a new book. #pubtip

Spoilers are essential for editors/agents. Don't tease us in submissions. Tell us exactly what happens. Spoil the ending & twists. #pubtip

So many books open w/ character driving, flying, walking into their hometown & thinking about why they're back. Avoid the cliché. #pubtip

Don't apologize for lack of writing experience in cover letters. Show me you've researched & tell me why your book fits the line. #pubtip

If you're writing a series, keep a running list of all character names to make sure you don't have ones that are or sound the same. #pubtip

When possible, it's always best to address your submission to a specific person (editor/agent) and not just the submissions void. #pubtip

Keep the conflict strong in your manuscript to avoid a sagging middle. #pubtip

A great author website is one of the most important tools to have. Updating it is key. Make sure current books and links are posted. #pubtip

Query = cover letter for job application. You want to be "hired" to write. So tell us your qualifications & why you want the "job". #pubtip

A rejection from an editor is generally a rejection of a project, not an author. Don't shy away from submitting a new manuscript. #pubtip

Tricky thing about writing historicals: anachronisms. You have to keep an eye out for words/phrases that weren't in use back then. #pubtip

If characters are happy & content before the climax of your romance, then conflict is probably not strong enough. Torture them more. #pubtip

Want to impress an editor? Make your romantic conflict something more than "He/She hurt me in the past, and I can never love again." #pubtip

Prologues are almost always not needed & just an excuse to dump backstory. Avoid them. #pubtip

The most salable books have multiple hooks. Don't assume one is enough. #pubtip

Revision letters are not rejection letters. Revision letters are invitations to resubmit. Don't get discouraged & miss opportunity. #pubtip