77 Reasons Why Your Book Was Rejected
by Mike Nappa
Mike Nappa is an accomplished author, and is the chief literary agent at Nappaland Literary Agency. He has a lot to offer by way of advice to writers, based on his long experience. He mentions almost every possible reason why a publisher or his literary agent would
reject a book.
Publishers are like corporations, and are in business to make money. They have to make sure that a book will sell. It must be well-received by the readership it is intended for.
He advises: "Nitpick every word, and don't send out less than your best writing."
Some writers think they can get the publisher's attention by using gimmicks, they are grossly mistaken.
Before submitting work, a writer should first get familiar with the kind of books a particular publisher puts out. To those who cram too much into one book he counsels: 'One book, one message.'
Other pieces of advice include a writer's approach to subject matter. Some writers take up subjects they aren't familiar with, and it shows in the results. Research is extremely essential in this regard to sound convincing, otherwise be prepared for a rejection note.
Nappa also goes on to say that simple, elegant prose always appeals. One should try to create something new and original, and avoid unnecessary repetitions of words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs.
Spelling and grammar require full attention.
"The first line of any book - fiction or non-fiction - makes a promise to the reader about the rest of your book. It must create curiosity, demonstrate credibility, and evoke emotion."
When the finished work reaches an agent's desk, he or she normally look at three aspects:
1. Marketing platform
2. Sales history/potential
3. The strength of the writing.
In the case of a new writer, the first two shall obviously be inadequate. Hence the third has to be strong enough to compensate for the first two. He also counsels the writers to take rejection as a natural part of the writing success.
Women form a majority of readership, almost eighty percent. A writer should ask himself or herself how women would respond to the book. Romances are reported to sell far more than anything else in a fiction market. So that's where a robust chance of success lies for a new writer.
After the successful sale of a couple of romances a writer can then try other fields of writing. People buy books for different reasons - pleasure, education, relaxation, knowledge, entertainment etc. If a book can cater to some of the above buying impulses, chances are the publisher may accept it.
A writer should view his own work as critically as he would that of others. A golden approach: "Reader tastes and current trends usually guarantee the success of a book if the content is excellent."
Reviewed by Bal Sethi, former member of the P.G. Public Library board
