MuseInks: Animal Tendencies: 10 Reasons a Manuscript Doesn't Sell

It's true: animals have far greater wisdom about some things than we do. They don't mask their emotions. They live in the moment. They readily abandon themselves to happiness and joy. And, as it turns out, they know about publishing.

Without further ado, I offer pictorial proof of animal wisdom: Ten visual reminders of why a manuscript might not sell.

1.) Way too much filler occurs between the story's beginning and its end.

223,000 words in my manuscript: and all must stay! Photo by Michael Ponton.

2.) Chronology is confusing.

This story doesn't know if it's coming or going. Photo by Emily Roesly

3.) All set-up; no action.

Check out this way cool scene, jam-packed with possibilities,
in which NOTHING HAPPENS! Photo by delboysafa

4.) Fuzzy logic.

He eats the poisoned frog because he HAS to. Don't you see?
Photo by Karen Miller.

5.) Missing pieces.

But the eyes are implied! They're in the subtext! Photo by xandert.

6.) It spells out the obvious.

Do you get it? Do you? Huh? Photo by Karen Miller.

7.) Too many "extras" obscure the story.

But the prose is so... PURPLE! Purple is my favorite color! Photo by anusharaji.

8.) Too much important stuff happens behind the scenes, without the reader's knowledge.

She lost her magic power to an evil wizard. It was really exciting.
Take my word for it. Photo by Matthew Hull.

9.) The story lacks perspective.

Then she broke a fingernail. It was the END OF HER WORLD! Photo by Mark Miller.

10.) Following the crowd. Vampires and werewolves have been done TO DEATH. Really. No lie. Here's a thought: write something original. From your heart. Please.