CLARITY
Lack
of clarity in a submission is the number one reason why an author’s work gets rejected.
Think about it. Clarity can be, and for my purposes, is found in the previous nine
reasons that lead to rejection.
1.
!
The use of symbols when words are better. An exclamation point has more than one
meaning.
2.
Blasting
queries. Using the one size fits all approach shows the agent or editor that you
either didn’t think through your submission or you didn’t care.
3.
Not
reading books on writing is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute. Reading
clarifies in the writer’s mind which of many paths to take.
4.
Not
joining critique groups, going to conferences or joining genre organizations leaves
the author uncertain how to proceed (and without kindred spirits).
5.
Commas
are much like exclamation points regarding clarity. Using commas to show breathing,
pause, surprise, confusion, stroke etc. confuses the agent or editor. Because the
comma isn’t a word, it’s anybody’s guess why those extra commas are there.
6.
Overusing
complicated and multi-thought sentences is like knocking out an opponent in a boxing
match. Except you are the loser.
7.
If
the first chapter is used to set up the story by immersing the reader in the normal
life of the protagonist, the agent or editor will reject the manuscript. They don’t
understand because the author’s purpose is unclear.
8.
Head
hopping or omniscient narration leaves agents. editors and potential readers confused.
9.
A
lack of emotion in a character leads to a lack of emotional attachment in the story
by the reader. To be clear, emotion in a character, as I define it, is not all about
crying, laughing, smiling, etc. It’s precisely how a character reacts, acts, thinks
or talks in any given situation. Done right, the reader is hooked, because they
“get” (understand) and identify with the character.
10.
Clarity.
Clarity brings a scene
and book into focus. Say Moby Dick and
most people will be able to speak in metaphors and about memorable characters.
Crisp dialogue gives
a story a magical or charming quality. Is there anybody out there who has not a
clue what movie this came from, “I’ll have what she’s having” or “Here’s looking
at you, kid”? Here's a harder one, "nobody's perfect". Stilted dialogue is often bogged down and defined by clichés, unnatural
usage or wordiness. Less is more and original but understood expressions are what
we all want.
Although interior intimate
thought can meander to show indecision, we need to keep an eye on tentative resolution
in the character’s mind or, at least, some change in the arc of the character. If
the character is lost for too long, often the reader will find ways to lose the
book.
A character cannot
remain stoic while all hell is breaking loose about him scene after scene. Why?
The character shows no change, no action. A novel is all about change. Otherwise it could be called the diary
of a mad author.
