Little Things Can Matter

Readers often care about elements that writers may deem unimportant. This becomes quite clear in reading their reviews. Here is some of what I've learned:

• The cover matters, so don't scrimp. The title should be large enough to show up in small thumbnail shots. Readers don't like covers that are drab, gloomy, or troubling. Make them appealing.
• Don't make your chapters too long, because readers like to feel a sense of accomplishment. However, don't make them too short or it will break the flow of the story. From 12-18 pages and no longer than 20 seems about right in a regular-size book.
• Don't think that more details make a story better; too many bogs it down. Trust your reader's imagination. Give enough to adequately describe, but most readers skip or skim over more than a couple of paragraphs. It's actually better to weave descriptions into what's happening.
• We all know we should show and not tell, but it's easy to fall into the telling trap if not careful. Don't.
• Be careful of using profanity too often. Most Christian writers don't use it at all, but I've read books that used it so much it was distracting and annoying. I would also complain if they overused any of the other term that much. You may hear readers complain about the foul language, but I bet you've never heard one complain that there wasn't enough of it. 
• Think long and hard before using first person point of view. The majority of readers prefer third person. 
• Omniscient point of view is outdated and pulls the reader out of the story. Avoid it.
• Be careful there's no head hopping. It has a tendency to sneak in.
• Too many indie authors are thinking the grammar doesn't matter that much. Think again.
• Don't use the ploy of not writing an ending to a book with the hopes the reader will buy the next one to find out what happens unless you forewarn them. This is underhanded, even deceitful, and most readers will no longer follow an author because of it.

What are some writing devices you don't like?

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