What Editors Look for When Considering a Book for Acquisition

In Fiction

1. Voice: The overall narrative voice.
2. Pace: How quickly the story moves.
3. Character: Are there interesting and multifaceted characters in conflict?
4. Plot: The overall story.
5. Style: How the story is written.
6. Verisimilitude: Are the details right?

In Nonfiction

1. Voice: The writer’s voice: is it self-assured, knowledgeable, funny interesting?
2. Subject Matter: What is the book about?
3. Organization: The marshaling of material. Is it easy to follow and understand?
4. Style: How the writing makes you feel?
5. Verisimilitude: Did the author get the details right in his nonfiction book?