: Re: Resource for rejected novel manuscripts Is there such a thing as an online repository for rejected novel manuscripts? I think it would be a useful and educational resource -- especially to

It is extremely naive to believe the publishing industry is somehow like school and an 'A' will get you published. There is no formula, standard or level to achieve in order to secure publication.

There is no rhyme nor reason as to why one publisher accepts a manuscript and another does not.

What is needed is a bit of critical thinking.

Let's look at Harry Potter: (1) The manuscript would make it into your repository as was rejected at least nine times. (2) Clearly Rowling was clueless as the manuscript was considered far too long for a Y/A novel. (3) The novel is of poor quality because Rowling 'never met an adverb she didn't like'.

E.L. James got everything all wrong. "50 Shades of Grey" id not clearly fit into any genre. It was too spicy for romance and too tame for erotica.

Another best seller, Peter Benchley's "Jaws" was accepted based on a verbal pitch.

At school your teacher will mark up your effort, grade it, and suggest improvements. 'Real' agents and publishers will do no such thing. They will never tell you what's wrong with your novel. They'll use choice phrases like "We didn't feel passionate about it" or state "There isn't currently room on their list." It would be embarrassing for one publisher to return a manuscript highlighting all its problems and, subsequently, another publisher hit the NYT best-sellers list after publishing the work in its near original form.

There are no 'mistakes every failing writer makes'. The 'How to' industry is worth millions of dollars. But you've been sold a bill of goods. There is no evidence that following a set of instructions will improve your chances of being published.

Off the record, most agents admit they have no idea what they are looking for - but they'll know it when they see it.

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: Re: Resource for rejected novel manuscripts Is there such a thing as an online repository for rejected novel manuscripts? I think it would be a useful and educational resource -- especially to

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: I'm a true believer that creative writers should be 'creative' - get your own heroes, villains and themes. But (commercially) we are in strange times. Publishers have become global corporations

: I don't know your personal experience but there are some things that cannot be researched. There is almost no question here. Throughout time, and to many of those who have experienced love,

: Is read, read, read really the best advice? Is there any evidence that a prolific readers are better equipped to write than a non-reader? At first I'd suggest the answer is a no-brainer but

: Showing Confusion My first instinct is to always have a character furrow their eyebrows when confused because that's my personal first instinct, but I feel it's getting overused on my part. What

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