Don't Sabotage Your Submission: Save Your Manuscript from Turning Up D.O.A.

by Chris Roerden

Insider Information from a career Manuscript Editor. This book reveals the reasons ninety percent of fiction manuscripts are rejected quickly by first readers, long before character and plot can be evaluated on their own merits.

Genres: Writing

312 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

About the author

Insider information from Agatha Award-winning author and book editor Chris Roerden (44 years in publishing) about getting your manuscript past the important gatekeepers. Chris is also a former university instructor of writing (U of So. Maine, U of Wisc-Milwaukee), past president of a trade association of 250 commercial and university presses, and editor for authors published by St. Martin's Press, Berkley Prime Crime, Intrigue, Midnight Ink, Viking, Walker & Co., Rodale, and many other houses. DON'T SABOTAGE YOUR SUBMISSION is Chris's 2008 edition of DON'T MURDER YOUR MYSTERY, now expanded for all genres."

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this is how practical and specific the advice in this book is. For example, instead of telling me "show, don't tell", Roerden shows examples and dives into the gritty detail of what that means. This guide is an essential manual for the revision process (once you have story ironed out).

[Bethanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My literary agent suggests this book to all of her clients. I’m so glad I followed her advice. Chris provides excellent tips and information she has cleaned from her years of experience in the publishing industry.

[Robyn Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent workbook for improving your manuscript, solid examples and advice throughout.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have for any writer, of any level!

[Susan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice, even for seasoned writers, presented with humor (and more than a little snark), but practical and useful.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Chris at a NCWN Conf and as a result became a member of SIC. Chris has put her 40 years of experience into a pithy exposé of what it takes to avoid being consigned to the slush pile. This is a quick concise must read explaining how to send a read worthy manuscript to an agent and getting past the vetting process in publishing.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An editor and slush pile reader explains the mistakes that can get a manuscript rejected and tells how to avoid them.

[Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful for Chris Roerden's knowledge shared in this book. It presents dozens of insights that have guided me in my writing. My understand of the craft is stronger, as well as my belief in my ability to write a worth while story. Many thanks Chris!