Why Did My Book Get Rejected? Insights and Improvement Tips for Authors

At FictionMe, our goal is to curate and deliver high-quality content to readers worldwide. This is why we meticulously review all submitted manuscripts and, at times, must reject those that fall short of our standards. While rejection can be disheartening, we believe that understanding the reasons behind it can empower you as an author to refine your work and increase its chances of being published.

Below, we’ve outlined the most common reasons for rejections and practical tips to help you avoid these pitfalls. We’ve also included examples and resources to guide your improvement journey.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Address Them

1. Grammatical, Spelling, and Punctuation Errors

Errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation can detract from your story’s professionalism and readability.

• Example: “Their going to the market” should be “They’re going to the market.”

• Improvement Tip: Use tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch errors. Proofread your work multiple times or hire a professional editor.

2. Tautology

Repetitive expressions dilute the impact of your writing.

• Example: “She nodded her head” (nodding already implies the head).

• Improvement Tip: Identify and eliminate redundant phrases. Reading aloud can help spot these.

3. Contextually Inappropriate Words

Choosing words that don’t fit the context can confuse readers.

• Example: “The serene storm” unless used intentionally, is contradictory.

• Improvement Tip: Build a robust vocabulary using resources like Merriam-Webster Thesaurus.

4. Plagiarism and Scam Platform Publication

Originality is non-negotiable. Content published on dubious platforms will be rejected.

• Improvement Tip: Run your work through plagiarism checkers like Copyscape to ensure originality.

5. Overly Available Content

If your work is already freely available elsewhere, it might not align with our exclusive publication approach.

• Improvement Tip: Reserve your best stories for platforms that prioritize originality and exclusivity.

6. Non-Natural English

Manuscripts written in unnatural English often fail to engage readers.

• Example: “He go store yesterday” instead of “He went to the store yesterday.”

• Improvement Tip: Consider working with a professional editor or enrolling in writing courses specifically for non-native speakers. Resources like BBC Learning English offer structured lessons, while organizations such as The Writers’ Workshop can provide personalized feedback on your work.

7. Complexity and Unfamiliar Vocabulary

Excessively long sentences or rare words can alienate readers.

• Example: Avoid using words like “absquatulate” when “leave” suffices.

• Improvement Tip: Aim for clarity and simplicity. Tools like Hemingway Editor can simplify your text.

8. Non-Compliance with Content Policy

Violations of our content guidelines are not permitted. For example, submissions containing graphic violence without purpose or hate speech are strictly prohibited.

• Improvement Tip: Review our Content Policy before submission to understand the boundaries and expectations.

9. AI-Generated Content

We value human creativity and do not accept fully AI-generated manuscripts.

• Improvement Tip: Use AI tools as writing aids but rely on your creativity for storytelling.

10. Incorrect Dialogue Formatting

Improperly formatted dialogue disrupts narrative flow.

• Example: “Hello” he said instead of “‘Hello,’ he said.”

• Improvement Tip: Study dialogue rules in style guides like The Chicago Manual of Style.

11. Excessively Long Monologues

Prolonged monologues without breaks can bore readers.

• Improvement Tip: Break long speeches with actions, thoughts, or other characters’ responses to maintain engagement.

12. Unexplained Text in Another Language

Passages in foreign languages without translation confuse readers.

• Improvement Tip: Provide translations or context to ensure understanding.

Final Thoughts

Just a little reminder that rejections are not the end but a valuable opportunity to grow as a writer. By addressing these common issues, you can polish your manuscript and increase your chances of publication. Take advantage of the recommended tools and resources to enhance your writing skills. And remember, every great author faced rejection at some point— it’s your resilience and dedication to improvement that truly define your journey.

We look forward to reading your next masterpiece!