Shana Asaro
Editor
Harlequin
Editor at Harlequin's Love Inspired imprint and mom. I love my dog, monkeys, cupcakes, HGTV, Starbucks, Gilmore Girls and weather disaster plots.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Crazy villains are the least interesting to me. I like a smart villain with a devious plan that will help him/her reach their ultimate goal. #writingtips #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Nice things happening to nice people makes for an uninteresting story. So don't forget to include one of the most important elements in your book--conflict! Here we offer tips on how: bit.ly/2NI5vlj #LoveInspiredAuthorSearch #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
#pubtip: ALWAYS include a synopsis.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Emily Rodmell @EmilyRodmell
How can you avoid a sagging middle in your book?Make sure every chapter has a purpose and moves the plot forward in some way. Avoid filler.
MEGA #pubtip. I can't tell you how many manuscripts I've read with a sagging middle.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
More #grammartips: When to use "I" or "me". "I" is a subject; "me" is an object. "Joe and I went to dinner." BUT "Come to dinner with Joe and me." Test yourself by taking out the name. Does it still sound correct? (You wouldn't say "Come to dinner with I.") #pubtip #writing
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Emily Rodmell @EmilyRodmell
Breakdown of submissions I get:Perfect books that need no revisions: Rare to never.
Books w/ great idea/writing but need work: Sometimes. (I buy these if author revises)
Ok books. Not great, not bad: All the time. (Usually reject)
Books completely off target: Too often
Ditto. Be creative to push yourself into that "Great" category and don't settle for just okay. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Just like action movies need a climactic fight scene, romance novels need an emotional black moment. Build to a breaking point. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
If you write books with kids in them, make sure you know the child safety seat laws by state: bit.ly/2hCX52n #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Geography should not be the primary romantic conflict between your hero and heroine. That's external. Give me internal conflict! #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Pirates of the Caribbean movies are great at showing how goals & motivations should drive a plot. Jack Sparrow knows what he wants. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Caveat: Not all movies are actually good at developing conflict, so exercise caution. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
If you're struggling with conflict in your writing, look at your favorite movies. What can you learn about conflict from them? #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Entertainment Weekly @EW
There’s an odd lack of stakes and urgency in #TheZookeepersWife. Our review: share.ew.com/ud3cpBKHaven't read the review, but this is the exact kind of thing we see in manuscript submissions. Stakes & urgency are important! #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
How to make readers care about your characters: Don't give them wants. Give them needs. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Emily Rodmell @EmilyRodmell
It can never hurt to address your submission to a specific person. Makes it more personal than Dear Agents or Editors.And definitely don't send a submission to an editor with the salutation "Dear Agent"! (and vice versa) #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
Authors: If you have someone read your ms before submitting, make sure you trust them to be honest with you about problems. #pubtip
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)
Editor
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/418853776766668801/ng9tZSOn_bigger.jpeg)