Note: a novella is 50,000 to 80,000 words, a novel is 80,000 plus, with each page approx. 300 words.  So your 'Cupid's Arrow' at 67,000 plus words, would only be classed as a novella.  A lot of publishers will only take novella's from big (celebrity) names... they usually prefer full novels.

 

You're going to love me or hate me for this, but I have to be honest. OK?  Please don't be offended and take what I offer as guidance and constructive comments in the spirit they're offered.

 

I presume you've asked me to critique your work based on the fact that (in a minor way) I've been writing for many years, my writing has been published, produced or performed in books, magazines, the net, on screen and on stage. 

 

Yes, I publish my poetry and children's books myself - a whole other ball-game to novels.  My own adult thriller novel is unpublished, it needs another re-write (it's forth total re-write which is different to editing - a matter of course) but I'm busy adapting it to the big screen instead.

 

After three years at Uni I have a BA in Writing with a supporting major in Media Studies and have attended numerous workshops and masterclasses both here and in Ireland, so I have and continue to study my craft and speak from experience. 

 

However,  I haven't got time to offer a full critique (and would normally charge for my professional services), so this is a general response to ONLY your first 10 pages and your 'synopsis' doc, which I read very quickly.   So here goes:

 

1.  Writing is 99% editing.  You must learn to be a good editor or you'll never write well enough to sell to a publisher.  These days, publishers expect writers to deliver a manuscript which is almost print ready.  Gone are the days when an editor did all the hard yards for a writer.  Writers are expected to edit their own work.   It's not enough to finish a novel, you must edit, edit and rewrite until the manuscript is perfect before letting anyone see it.  Most publishers will only read a manuscript from a writer and decide whether they like their style once, so you have to make the first time count!

 

2.  So, are you a member of a writers group or have you had your manuscript read by anyone other than family or friends?  Every writer needs a sounding board but also someone who will critique with honesty and show you how to edit effectively.  If not, I strongly suggest you find the nearest writers group and join them - their companionship in the lonely business of writing is invaluable, as is their constructive and careful consideration of your text.

 

3.  I remember being told at a Romance Writers Conference to read 500 romance books (Mills & Boon or whatever) before putting pen to paper - before attempting to write a romance novel.  The style will seep into your sub-conscious and become automatic so all you will need to add are interesting and surprising characters, situations and story.

 

4.  If a face-to-face writers group won't suit you, try joining one on-line.  There are loads... but ALL writers need the interaction and education they receive while sharing each other's stories. You get to read what others are doing and find out (hopefully) what the market is looking for or will bear.  

 

5. You must also know your audience.  Did you research your publisher before sending your mss?  Make sure they publish the sort of book you have written and target the same audience. Do you understand your audience? Know what they look for in a book?  In order to market you must know your book's appeal.

 

6.  If you're going to send out attendant 'short docs' such as a synopsis, you must understand the rules of those documents.  Research on the net, how to write a synopsis for a novel. There are many different rules for synopsis - American and English and even Australia synopsis are all different. 

 

7.  May I recommend a book by a great friend of mine who is also the No 8 most borrowed writer in the UK - Anna Jacobs?  She's written more than 30 books and knows her stuff!  Her guide to writing romance novels is a fabulous how-to:  'Introduction to Romance Writing' .  By the time you've finished it, you'll have completed a novel.

 

8.  It's always recommended a writer reads their work out aloud (back to the writers group theme).  This shows where the sentences are too long or two short.  The length of the sentence decides the pace and the pace demonstrates style.  For example;  short sharp sentences build tension, long, convaluted sentences slow down the narrative to a snail's pace. It's always, always better to have the character do than describe... get them moving and talking!

 

9.  What if? Every paragraph should have a beginning, middle and end - just like your chapters and your book.  The whole thing should be a series of twists and turns, unexpected dialogue or action. If nothing is different or unexpected, the publisher is going to pass.  Make sure your story stands out from the rest - in a good way!

 

10.   Did you plot your book?  What system did you use? A blackboard, cards, coloured pencils for the different themes and plots? How have you managed the A and B stories?  Do you have more than one storyline? 

 

11.  Write in one sentence what the story is about.

 

12.  Write in one sentence who's story is it? 

 

13.  Write in one sentence what the central theme or question is? 

 

14.  Write in one sentence what the prize is and what price is paid? 

 

15.  And finally, write in one sentence THE most important question all writers must ask:  Why should we care?

 

16.  OK - now take all those sentences (11- 15) and expand on them until you've written 100,000 plus words, edited them at least 10 times, registered your manuscript with a Writers Association, had the manuscript professionally critiqued (in other words you pay hundreds) BEFORE sending it to a publisher.  Then I can guarantee, you'll be taken seriously. 

 

17.  Now you know the big secret: writing is not easy!  Although most people learn to write at school - there's a lot more to learning to write :-)

 

18.  If you don't want to do all of the above, that's OK too, but expect to self-publish your novel for family and friends.  That too, is a worthwhile experience and something they will all treasure.

 

I hope this helps and challenges you to re-write this story to give it the best chance of getting published. 

 

I hope you're still talking to me