Emily Rodmell

I wish I could eradicate vague threats and vague threatening notes from romantic suspense. They're not believable. Just don't. #pubtip

What not to say in your query letter. #pubtip

Since submissions are sent electronically, there's no good reason for single spacing. Save editors' eyes. Double space. #pubtip

Research is important when writing books. #pubtip

The rushed proposal is my greatest pet peeve in romance novels. Romance should be built on every page, not rapidly wrapped up at end #pubtip

The best way to sell to @LoveInspiredBks is to research the lines and specifically tailor your book to target them. #pubtip

Don't name your manuscript file things like "Final Manuscript". When editors try to put these on ereaders, we can't tell them apart. #pubtip

Your platform won't help you sell a book you never write. Don't let your online endeavors trump your writing time. #pubtip

Make sure your stories have hooks and selling points. Think about what makes you pick up a book and ensure your book has that. #pubtip

Never hit send right after you write “The End”. Reread it after a week or two, & you’ll find things that need editing or polishing #pubtip

A book could get rejected 99 times & find perfect home on submission 100. Take feedback & use it to improve book, but don't give up #pubtip

Know your own weasel words (words and phrases you repeat over and over) & do a search for them in your manuscript before you submit #pubtip

Want to make your book extra juicy? Add a secret in there. Secret past, secret baby, secret marriage, secret crime, secret anything. #pubtip

Books get a sagging middle when there's not a good conflict to sustain them. If you struggle with this, strengthen your conflict. #pubtip

Want your book to stand out? Make your conflict deeper than “former love hurt them in the past, so they can never love again.” #pubtip

Learning how to write a good synopsis is almost as important as learning how to write a good book. It's a key tool to sell a story #pubtip

If your 1st chapter doesn't wow me, I may never get to ch. 2. Start w/ a bang or something intriguing rather than endless back story #pubtip

Book opening clichés to avoid:

Character driving, flying, walking back to hometown.

Character waking up from a bad dream.

#pubtip

If your book conflicts could be solved w/ one convo that never seems to happen, readers will be annoyed. You need bigger roadblocks. #pubtip

Ever wondered what editors mean when we say we need “hooks” in a story? #pubtip