: Agents and publishers get so many manuscripts that they have to screen them quickly. Anything, especially in those first few pages, that makes you seem no better than average will get you

Agents and publishers get so many manuscripts that they have to screen them quickly. Anything, especially in those first few pages, that makes you seem no better than average will get you rejected.

Most published books are commercial failures. I read that 90% of books for which royalties were advanced do not earn out the advance. Since publishers know they are shooting craps when they select a book, they are as fussy as they know to be.

Big publishers don't do the degree of editing that they used to, in order to keep labor costs down. So a first-time author needs to have their work professionally (or at least competently) edited before submission.

Get yourself a copy of the "Chicago Manual of Style" and read relevant parts.

I suspect, too, that if your grammar is shaky, there are other things wrong with your writing. Although it is targetted for mystery writers, I strongly recommend fiction authors of any genre read "Don't Murder Your Mystery" by Chris Reorden. It's not really about writing mysteries, it's about writing fiction well, heads above your competitors--who are also sending their manuscripts to the same people you are.

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: Is it foolish to pursue a writing career while desiring complete anonymity? I am writing my first novel. When I finish, I'd like to try publishing it. I've read other questions regarding the

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: Where does the comma go when using 'but'? In English, I can never remember where to put the comma when using the conjunction word, but. For example: I'd like to stay home and read a book,

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: I have this story all planned out, why can't I write it? I have written out two full manuscripts for this story. They are completed. Then I met the actress that the lead character was inspired

: Agents and publishers get so many manuscripts that they have to screen them quickly. Anything, especially in those first few pages, that makes you seem no better than average will get you

More posts by @Deb2945533

: A better word for dusty? I am describing the condition of cardboard boxes which have been in the attic for years. They are in good condition and aren't dirty. The sentence is "dark and...?"

: Is it foolish to pursue a writing career while desiring complete anonymity? I am writing my first novel. When I finish, I'd like to try publishing it. I've read other questions regarding the

: Where does the comma go when using 'but'? In English, I can never remember where to put the comma when using the conjunction word, but. For example: I'd like to stay home and read a book,

: I have this story all planned out, why can't I write it? I have written out two full manuscripts for this story. They are completed. Then I met the actress that the lead character was inspired

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