Our policy for nearly 40 years now has been to stand by a firm commitment to candor and always tell our authors the truth, even if that means discouraging more work with The Editorial Department. While it’s our job to consider your manuscript through the lens of its potential, we will always let you know (in as constructive a way as possible) when a manuscript seems hopeless or if your publishing goals are unrealistic.

For more information about how we handle critiques for manuscripts in very poor condition, please check out Candor, Tough Love, and the Delicate Art of the Bounce.