An Editor's Guide to Predicting Reader Drop-Off Points

How to keep readers from losing interest.

Each month, I offer a more expansive look into the craft and mindset behind writing a novel. If you'd like to read today’s full post, along with access to the archive (including topics like “My Checklist for Manuscript Evaluations” and “10 Mistakes I See as a Developmental Editor”), you’re warmly invited to become a paid subscriber. I’d love to have you in that circle of support.

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Here’s a hard truth when it comes to novel manuscripts

Ever wonder why some manuscripts grab readers from page one while others get abandoned halfway through? As a developmental editor, I've read hundreds of stories, and I can spot the exact moments where readers start to drift away. It’s often before the author even realizes there's a problem.

Today I want to share three telltale signs that make me think "readers will lose interest here" when I'm reviewing a manuscript. I’m also sharing quick fixes along the way…