Anne
Greene here. Now that the ACFW Conference is over, many writers will send in
proposals they pitched. Before you send in that proposal, check the following.
Is
there a hook to capture the reader’s
interest?
Does
the book start in the right place, at the inciting
incident? Or is there too much backstory?
Are
the hero and heroine vivid, likeable characters?
Do they come alive? Is there
opportunity for them to change and grow? Is there only one point of view for
each scene?
Is
there conflict?
Does
the pacing flow well enough to keep
the reader engrossed?
Does
the dialogue sound natural,
realistic, build characterization, and move the story forward. Does the dialogue match the characters?
Are
the secondary characters believable,
and are they needed?
Is
the time and setting established so the reader feels they are there?
Did
the writer show and not tell?
Did
the writer avoid dead verbs and use
active verbs?
Did
the writer include interior monologue
rather than direct thoughts?
Did
the writer RUE? Explaining insults
the reader.
If
you, the writer, missed on any of these points, an editor may well throw your manuscript
into her rejection pile.
If
you’ve covered all these points and have a compelling
concept, the editor may continue reading.
Don’t
send your manuscript out before it is ready to go!!! You’ve only this one chance before this editor.
