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Writers everywhere want to know the answer to the universal question of how to keep their editors interested. An editor’s purpose is to help authors put out the best story or article possible, so losing an editor’s attention in a major problem.

Be Unique
One common reason an editor loses interest is that the writing imitates another writer or is too similar to content already published. Authors must learn to stand apart, either by choosing an entirely new, but still interesting, subject, or by infusing their writing with a new spin to set it apart from that other writer’s work.

Be Precise
Occasionally, writers become lazy or stuck in a rut, and their work begins to get stale. Usually, authorial laziness is reflected in imprecise or vague language; writers refer, for example, to a new hobby as “really great,” rather than “mentally stimulating.” Authors must learn to be exact and to select, with great care, words that contribute to the tone and style of the piece. Choosing the right word can make all the difference in whether a work catches the editor’s eye or gets dismissed.

Start with a Bang
Titles matter. As the introduction to a work, titles should be informative but leave a reader asking questions. An editor will be much more likely to appreciate a story about a person with Lyme’s disease if the title is, “Sleeping all Day: The Story of an Incurable Disease,” rather than, “Dealing with Lyme’s Disease.” Authors should learn to leverage the title’s power to draw people in.