What We Look For

A beginning hook that mesmerizes us and forces us to keep reading.
A fresh voice with a writing style that fits the tone of the story.
Interesting new plots and ideas. If writing for the category romance market, the overall theme must fit the publisher’s formula. (Note: Tip sheets are available online or by mail from most romance publishers.)
Strong dialogue that will pull the reader into the story. Dialogue MUST move the story along. If it isn’t essential to the story, delete it.
Well-developed, strong characters.
A page-turning story.
A manuscript minus clichés and purple prose.
Correct pacing. Scenes that follow a logical sequence.
A well-researched plot! This is VITAL to every type of manuscript. When in doubt: research, research, research! There is nothing that pulls the reader out of a story quicker than a statement the reader knows is incorrect.
An author who is confident, friendly and enthusiastic about his/her work and is willing to make editorial changes if necessary.
And the number one thing we require is professionalism.