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What Publishers Look for When Evaluating Manuscripts

As an aspiring author, one of the most critical steps in your writing journey is getting your manuscript noticed by a publisher. But with thousands of submissions landing on editors’ desks every year, standing out from the crowd can feel daunting. Understanding what publishers look for while evaluating manuscripts can significantly increase your chances of getting published. In this post, we’ll break down the key elements publishers prioritize, from market potential to writing quality, to help you craft a submission that grabs attention.

1. Strong Storytelling and Writing Quality

First and foremost, publishers seek quality writing. Whether you’re submitting a novel, memoir, or non-fiction manuscript, your writing needs to be polished, engaging, and free from major grammatical errors. They want to see that you can tell a story (or convey an idea) in a clear, compelling way.

Your manuscript must have:

• Strong narrative voice: This is the unique style or tone that sets your writing apart. It should feel authentic and consistent throughout.
• Gripping opening: The first few pages are critical in capturing a publisher’s attention. Many acquisitions editors say they know within the first chapter whether a book has potential. The opening needs to hook the reader quickly and lay the groundwork for the rest of the story.
• Well-developed characters and plot: In fiction, character development and a well-structured plot are vital. The characters should feel real, with distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs. Publishers also look for stories that maintain a balance between action, dialogue, and pacing.
• Clarity and coherence: Non-fiction manuscripts should present their ideas logically and cohesively, ensuring the message is easy to follow for the target audience.

2. Originality and Fresh Perspective

Publishers are always on the lookout for original ideas and fresh perspectives. While certain genres may follow popular tropes (romance, mystery, or thriller), it’s the unique twist or innovative approach that can make your manuscript stand out.

For example, in recent years, books with diverse characters and perspectives have gained significant attention. According to a report from The New York Times, books featuring diverse voices saw a 25% increase in sales in 2022. Publishers are eager to find stories that reflect a broader range of human experiences, especially in underrepresented communities.

That said, avoid writing a story that feels too familiar or too derivative of what’s already out there. Publishers want a book that feels fresh, even if it’s within a popular genre.

3. Market Potential and Target Audience

While creative quality is essential, publishers are also running a business. They need to know that your manuscript has market potential—that it will sell. This doesn’t mean your book has to appeal to everyone, but it should have a clear and identifiable target audience.

Some questions publishers will ask:

• Who is this book for? Understanding the target audience is crucial. Publishers want to know who will be interested in reading your book. For example, is it aimed at young adults, a niche historical fiction audience, or professionals seeking advice in a particular industry?
• How large is the market? While niche markets can be valuable, they must be large enough to justify the investment. If you’re writing for a highly specific audience, ensure there’s a significant demand for that content.
• Does it fit current trends? Publishers track trends in the publishing world. They look for books that align with current market demands while offering something new. For instance, according to NPD BookScan, the memoir market has grown steadily over the past decade, with a 20% increase in sales in 2021 alone. If your book fits into a trending genre or topic, it could be more attractive to a publisher.

However, chasing trends can be risky. The publishing process takes time, and by the time your book is ready for market, the trend may have faded. It’s important to balance trend awareness with originality.

4. Author Platform and Marketability

In today’s digital age, publishers are increasingly looking at the author’s platform as a key part of the evaluation process. Your platform refers to your visibility and influence, particularly online. For non-fiction authors, having a strong platform can be the deciding factor in whether a manuscript is picked up.

What publishers consider:

• Social media presence: Do you have an active and engaged following on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok? While it’s not necessary to have millions of followers, a dedicated and growing audience can be appealing to publishers.
• Previous publications: If you’ve already been published—whether through articles, blog posts, or previous books—publishers will take that into account. It shows that you’re experienced and may already have an existing readership.
• Media and public speaking: Non-fiction authors, in particular, benefit from media exposure and public speaking engagements. This demonstrates that you have the authority to speak on your book’s topic and can help with future marketing efforts.
• Email list: An engaged email list is one of the most valuable assets for an author. Publishers love to see authors who have built a loyal base of readers through regular email communication.

For fiction writers, having a platform is less critical, but it’s still a bonus. A blog, active social media, or connections within the literary community can enhance your manuscript’s marketability.

5. Compelling Query Letter and Synopsis

Before publishers dive into the manuscript, they often look at the query letter and synopsis. These are your first opportunities to make a strong impression. A poorly written query letter can cause a publisher to reject a manuscript without even reading it.

The query letter should:

• Be concise: Stick to one page. Introduce yourself and your manuscript in a clear and engaging way.
• Highlight the core plot or central idea: For fiction, give a quick overview of the storyline, focusing on the main characters and conflict. For non-fiction, summarize the main argument or purpose of the book.
• Explain why the book matters: Why is this book relevant now? What makes it unique? Show the publisher that your manuscript has both creative and commercial appeal.
• Mention any platform or credentials: Briefly include relevant information about your author platform, professional background, or previous publications that lend credibility.

The synopsis should provide a more detailed breakdown of your book’s plot or main points. Keep it concise, covering the key elements without getting bogged down in details. For fiction, ensure it includes the ending; publishers need to know how the story resolves.

6. Genre and Fit with Publisher’s List

Publishers often specialize in certain genres, and they look for manuscripts that fit well within their current list. Before submitting, research the publisher to ensure your manuscript aligns with their catalog.

Some things to consider:

• Does the publisher focus on fiction, non-fiction, or both?
• What genres do they prioritize? For example, some publishers are known for romance and mystery, while others focus on literary fiction or academic non-fiction.
• Does your book complement or compete with their existing titles? A publisher may be less likely to accept a manuscript that is too similar to one of their current books.

7. Book Length and Structure

Publishers consider the length and structure of your manuscript. Most publishers have specific word count guidelines based on genre. For example:

• A typical adult fiction novel ranges between 80,000 and 100,000 words.
• Young adult novels usually fall between 50,000 and 80,000 words.
• Non-fiction books can vary widely, but publishers often look for manuscripts between 70,000 and 90,000 words.

If your manuscript falls outside these typical ranges, be prepared to justify why it’s longer or shorter.

Conclusion

Publishing is a competitive business, and knowing what publishers look for while evaluating manuscripts can give you a critical edge. Focus on delivering high-quality writing, a unique perspective, and a manuscript that demonstrates market potential. Additionally, building your author platform and crafting a strong query letter are crucial steps in making a lasting impression. By understanding these key elements, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the publishing world and increase your chances of success.