In general, the more experience you have in writing or in your area of expertise the better.

• Never assume your book is so unique that it has no competition. There will ALWAYS be existing books that editors will see as competition for your book.
• Agents and publishers are leery of writers who claim to have the next bestseller.
• Self-published books or e-books should have a proven track record of significant sales.
• Your platform is what you already have in place to help promote your book - speaking, media, etc. The broader, the better.

Fiction

• The more well-crafted your fiction is the better (this normally means lots of training, experience, and being previously published).
• Develop a writing voice that pulls the reader in.

Nonfiction

• The more well-credentialed you are the better (we are normally looking for media savvy authors who know their field).
• Develop material that is fresh and unique, or say something in a new way.

• A little generic and would be a bit hard to break out in a very crowded market.
  
• Smart, charming, and effective, but not a strong enough hook to compete in a crowded market; Not unique enough to stand out; Material not groundbreaking enough to work for our list here.
  
• Does not fit our list.
  
• Our objectives are not currently suited to the needs of your book; Does not fit in with our present publishing needs; Not really right for our current list.
  
• Charming, but we weren't convinced we'd sell a profitable number of copies.
  
• Writing is too episodic (fiction).
  
• Platform not strong enough to promote book in a big way.
  
• While the author has certainly found a powerful voice and offers solid advice, I don't feel that his central message is distinct enough from the plethora of self-help books already on the shelves. Unfortunately, I think this is well-trod territory.
  
• Although this is charming and insightful, ultimately, it just feels too small. We just don't think we would be able to publish this successfully in today's market. The message is there and it isn't.
  
• Failed to connect with my funny bone.
  
• The author is a lovely writer, and I was moved by many of her vignettes. A very wise woman, but I didn't feel as passionately as I'd need to make this kind of unusual book work.
  
• Not enough punch.
  
• Message unfocused.
  
• On the thin side?limited take-away value.