Straight Talk from the Editor, 18 Keys to a Rejection-Proof Submission
 | Average Customer Rating: Recommend It's rare for a writer to receive a reason for rejection. Often my rejection letter simply states, “We considered it and it's not right for us.” As a book acquisitions editor, I tell you six keys why book ideas are rejected, six keys to guarantee rejection then six keys to guarantee an editor's attention. Whether you use one or two or all six of these keys, I know it will make your pitch distinct from anything… Product details and pricing info |
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27 Customer Reviews Posted
- Humanity Under the Potency of Editorial Presence
- My attention for this Short was snagged first by its long reign as Number One in Amazon shorts, then later by a comment in Terry Whalin's Amazon-Connect blog entry of December 15, 2006:
>> If you read this Amazon Short, you will gain my experiences and insight into the unspoken reasons for rejection. Also you will learn a series of ideas to distinguish your submission from others that the editor is considering. <<
Yeah, I'd be interested in confirming my information about "unspoken reasons" for rejections, and I'd certainly be interested in knowing Whalin's insights on how to successfully "distinguish" my submissions.
Upon purchasing this Short, I clicked to "read it now" (online), as is my preferred M.O. for reading Amazon Shorts. My immediate response to a skim of the material was an appreciation for the use of BOLDFACE headings separating text segments of:
-- Brief introductory remarks
-- Three sets of 6 keys, with each key titled in smaller BOLDFACE type; the 3 sets, each titled, "Six Keys..."
1 - "... why book ideas are rejected
2 - "... to guarantee rejection
3 - "... to gain an editor's attention
-- A "Final Word."
When reading "How To's" I welcome this type of crisp organization of content which uses visual separations of material into easily manageable chunks. The format facilitates an easy initial skim; then a logical, thorough read; a quick assimilation of those concepts which are relative to me; and an efficient future reference with the boldface titles serving again as quick-find visuals.
When I skimmed the headings I happened to "fall into" a couple paragraphs of Whalin's difficult personal experiences with the "don't do" deals. The writing style was so personally charged, my automatic response was, "Yeah, this is what I'd want to read from an editor, and why didn't I expect to get this? At that point I realized why I hadn't read this short when I first noticed it:
As has often been the case of "How to get published" books and articles (which I had given up reading due to too many of them being hyped irrelevance of actual impotence), I had I anticipated a dry listing of abstract do's and don'ts which don't actually work for anyone; they're just empty words.
I'm happy to report that the words in this Amazon Short are neither empty nor dry. Relative to that, I have used one of your prime bits of advice by accomplishing my best way of proving sales potential of my products, with Amazon's help:
Coal & Coca-cola
Though likely most readers do, I wasn't able to immediately identify with the "we" and "our" pronouns (references to "us" writers, including the author as a writer, first, editor second) in the introductory statements. As noted above, what caught me were the later segments of Whalin's role as an Acquisitions Editor (an editorial role which is different from a copy editor, or internal editor) expressing his visceral reactions to various types of submissions, and outlandish behaviors of authors.
You have my heartfelt thanks, Terry Whalin, for this Amazon Short, and for reminding me that editors are sensitive; they have valid, natural needs; and they are humanly, as well as professionally, effected by approaches to them.
Linda Shelnutt - 2007-02-24, 4 of 4 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- He's a Pro
- I worked with this guy for years. He knows what he's talking about--and you should too if you want to get published.
- 2007-02-13, 5 of 6 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- For Less than A Can of Soda, You Can Get Some Solid Career Advice From a Pro
- W. Terry Whalin is a good guy. With fifty some-odd books to his credit, and several years working as an acquisitions editor, he's been in the author's shoes and knows how the publication process works from the inside out.
There's nothing ground-breaking here, but if you're looking to get published, this is the best half-dollar you'll spend all year. Terry's advice is essential; he shares the most glaring mistakes writers make as well as some ideas for standing out above the rest of the pack. It takes more than just a good idea to get published, it takes a solid understanding of the process. Though far from a comprehensive guide, this ebook will give you a good start to understanding that process. - 2007-01-21, 3 of 3 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Excellent advice
- This Amazon Short is more than worth the price. Terry Whalin knows of what he speaks, given his years of experience in the publishing industry. The "inside" information that he provides in this booklet is valuable to any writer who seeks to be viewed and accepted as a professional, understanding how the industry works. Buy it!
- 2007-01-11, 3 of 3 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Amazing Advice for the Price!
- Even if you're a seasoned, professional writer, I think you'll find some advice in here that is new. If you're just starting out in writing, you MUST read this. And who can beat the price?
- 2007-01-06, 3 of 3 people found this review helpful, Rated:
