4. Dialogue that doesn't move the story forward or reveal character.
5. One-dimensional characters.
6. Plots based on misunderstanding or coincidence.
7. Writing a rambling synopsis.
8. A lack of conflict between the hero and heroine, especially emotional/internal conflict.
9. Loading too much backstory in the beginning of the story instead of revealing it a little at a time throughout.
10. A rambling plot.
11. Submitting a manuscript to the wrong publishing house.
How to Determine Manuscript Word Count
This list is calculated using manuscript pages printed in Courier New 12pt. font with 1 inch margins, top bottom, and sides, and using 25 lines per page. Do not subtract words for partial pages such as those at the beginning or at the end of chapters.
160 pages = 40,000 words
180 pages = 45,000 words
200 pages = 50,000 words
220 pages = 55,000 words
240 pages = 60,000 words
260 pages = 65,000 words
280 pages = 70,000 words
300 pages = 75,000 words
320 pages = 80,000 words
340 pages = 85,000 words
360 pages = 90,000 words
380 pages = 95,000 words
400 pages = 100,000 words
420 pages = 105,000 words
440 pages = 110,000 words
460 pages = 115,000 words
480 pages = 120,000 words
500 pages = 125,000 words
Be Sure to check out who you are targeting. Some publishers are using computer word count now.
