- Some of you have not been reading Cynthea's Revision 9-1-1 articles. See them here: http://www.cynthealiu.com/category/revision/
- The most common reason Snoop rejected a PB? a PB that read like a novel/chapter book. Snoop estimates at least 50% of the PB entrants fell under this category.
- The second most common reason? a rhyming PB that didn't scan (probably another 25% of all entrants, and 80% of all rhyming entries). Snoop let a few blips go by but if there were two or more (especially in the first page), it got the paws down.
- The most common reasons novels were sent back? A disorienting first page, writing mechanics (watch those -ings and commas, people), Snoop couldn't connect with the MC, Snoop couldn't connect with the premise, Snoop didn't believe characters felt "real" (even if the novel was fantasy), or characters felt too familiar to Snoop (i.e., cliche).
- A lot of people are writing contemporary fantasy! (Or maybe a lot of contemporary fantasy writers know Snoop!)
- A lot of people write really well! Competition is stiff. So revise, revise, revise!
- Trying to follow twenty-plus storylines at one time is hard, but it's easier than it sounds. This means a lot of you are writing distinct pieces! Yay! (Or Snoop has a really good memory. Your pick.)
- Revising a book page-by-page is probably a great idea if you know Snoop could eat your manuscript at any second.
- Writers love a contest!
- Cynthea and Snoop loves writers! (And all the praise, of course–woohoo to that!)
If you have any burning questions about RLGL that aren't answered here, feel free to comment below.
Happy writing,
Cynthea and Snoop
Snoop and Cynthea – I had a blast! I received great encouragement for my stories and food for thought. Thanks for everything!
Grace,
Donna
It never occurred to me to revise one short page at a time — as if my story’s life depended on every single line… I always knew this was true, but your contest forced me to actually do it. What a fantastic lesson to learn. Even if my entries didn’t win, I want to thank you for showing us how to tackle this important part of the revision process. Too bad I missed the Why sessions. I got busy with freelance work! Now I’ll never know. (Rakes hand across eyes in despair…)
you’re welcome!
hahaha! Please don’t rake your eyes with despair. 1) it’s gross and 2) completely unnecessary. You may ask me why when the “embargo” has been lifted. And I’m glad you, among others, recognized the point of RLGL. EVERY page matters. Not just the first one! 🙂
I agree with Megan. Even though I knew that editors/agents read this way, submitting one page at a time really brought that lesson home.
thanks,
nj
you’re welcome! Oh, how I love my tiquees!