Fiction
Guidelines
I’m looking for several key elements in a novel:
- Compelling Story: A novel should have a captivating plot with twists and turns that keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
- Well-Developed Characters: Memorable characters with depth, complexity, and relatable qualities are essential. I'm seeking protagonists that readers can connect with and antagonists that add tension to the story.
- Unique Voice: A distinctive narrative voice or writing style sets the novel apart and makes it memorable. I appreciate authors who bring fresh perspectives and originality to their work.
- Strong Writing: I’m looking for polished writing that demonstrates skillful use of language, dialogue, pacing, and descriptive imagery. A well-crafted manuscript showcases the author's storytelling abilities.
- Market Potential: We always consider the commercial viability of a novel, including its genre, target audience, and potential for sales in the current market. We’re looking for novels that fill a niche or offer a fresh take on popular themes.
- Emotional Impact: A novel that elicits strong emotions such as joy, sadness, fear, or excitement is likely to resonate with readers. I'm looking for stories that have the power to evoke emotional responses and leave a lasting impression.
'Fiction Plus'!
Many years ago I coined a term called ‘FICTION PLUS’! to help my clients understand that it’s not just about writing a story that they want to tell, with characters, a plot and some great, thought provoking or provocative dialogue. The books that are going to make it through my net will be stories that are set in a time and place where I can actually learn something, whether it’s learning about a different culture than the one I inhabit, or whether it’s a period of history in which I can be served up a point of view or facts without having to read the dry stuff, a book that I ultimately walk away from much better informed about life, people, culture, art, history, basically anything that makes the world turn. A book that will make me actually put it down to look up something that I didn’t already know. And a book that is totally unputdownable as well. A tough ask you might say…well that’s your challenge as a writer. It’s not easy. It is a craft and the more you do it, hopefully the better you get at doing it…but from my perspective it helps if you bear in mind what I’ve said above.
Overall, a successful novel combines these elements to create a compelling reading experience that appeals to publishers and ultimately, readers.