Straight Talk from the Editor, 18 Keys to a Rejection-Proof Submission

If you want to hear an editor give you straight talk and learn how to proof your manuscript for an editor's eyes, don't miss this book. It's truly worth the money.

Barbara J. Robinson
Author/Educator/Freelance Writer
http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/

Within the past 10 minutes, I bought, downloaded, and read Mr. Whalin's brief "book." (Ah, the blessings and rather frightening efficiency of modern technology!) As a freelance writer & editor, I was curious about his offerings. I do basically agree with most of the comments. I spent three years as an in-house editor for a book publisher, and let me tell you--there's a lot of dreck out there, sadly enough. Mostly the dreck comes in the form of people not performing the simple task of looking up information, such as the correct spelling of the editor's name, what the publisher is looking for, etc.; including typos in their manuscript; a lack of willingness or even understanding that they need to be their own sales force, and so on. So bravo to Mr. Whalin for pointing out these seemingly trivial but, trust me, really important points!

My only complaint is that Mr. Whalin or his editor did NOT proofread this book! I found glaring typos, including "ease-dropped" for "eaves-dropped," the sentence "a project which another publisher had just been released as a printed book" (what was released--the project or the publisher?), "tender" for "tinder," etc. Really, Mr. Whalin. You cannot thoroughly decry amateurish submissions if your own little book of guidelines contains the same errors! I sometimes despair over the fate of the English language.

But anyway. Overall, this little book(let) contains good advice, has a good price, and is a quick read that is to the point. I recommend it. Happy writing & publishing!

Maybe if you're a beginner who doesn't know the basic rules then this would be a great place to start. However most the information is very cliche' and obvious. At least it seems that way to me.

Of course, anyone exposed to 'the games publishers play' will realize that 'Rejection-Proof Submission' is an oxymoron.
There are six keys that tell you how you can guarantee rejection. Another section lists six reasons why manuscripts are rejected (business reasons). The last section lists six keys that identify steps you can take to enhance your chances of getting the editor's attention, allowing him to make a better pitch to the powerbrokers. Four of the six deal with marketing.
There are some eye-opening statistics in this to give you an idea what your competing against. It's worth the read and the 49 cents, but please don't buy it with the expectation this will allow you to garner a contract, unless you already have most of your ducks lined up and just need a clue on selling the editor.

This essay contained no great revelations, and little insight on the industry that I didn't already intuit. It clarified a few things about polishing manuscripts that I was unsure of, but otherwise, it wasn't the fantastic product that its reviews make it out to be. Worth the purchase price and a read, or two, but not exactly to be cherished by struggling writers.