The Number One Problem in Manuscripts: Pace

 
 

Hi everyone! I’m back with another deep dive into the biggest issue I see in manuscripts: pace.

Most manuscripts I read are fine—technically sound, well-written—but they don’t sell because they lack momentum. If you’re getting silence or vague rejections when you send out your book, it’s probably because your manuscript is fine… but it’s not keeping anyone on the edge of their seat.

Let’s talk about how to fix that.

Why Pace Matters

As an editor, I have an almost obsessive focus on pace. My background in thrillers and crime fiction means I’ve been trained to keep readers hooked. But pace matters in every genre—not just in stories where someone’s running for their life.

In romance, the meet-cute needs to happen quickly.
In mystery, we need that first clue (or first dead body) fast.
In any commercial fiction, readers should feel compelled to keep turning the pages.

If your book isn’t selling, the problem might not be your characters or plot—it might just be that the story unfolds too slowly.

How to Keep Your Story Moving

1. Start Your Story at the Right Moment

Most manuscripts start too late. Writers spend too much time setting the scene—introducing characters, describing their environment, letting them chat about their day.

Here’s the truth: Readers don’t care about those details until they care about the story.

Ask yourself:

  • Where does my story truly begin?

  • What’s the spark that kicks off the plot?

  • Am I spending pages on setup when I should be hooking the reader?

You don’t need to cut description and character development entirely, but those details should be woven around action—not dumped in big blocks at the beginning.

2. Cut the Fluff

Even well-written books can be boring if they’re bogged down by unnecessary content.

Common culprits:

  • Info dumps – Massive paragraphs of backstory or world-building

  • Laundry lists – Overloading descriptions with unnecessary details

  • Excessive dialogue – Pages of conversation with no action

Instead, ask yourself:

  • Does this move the story forward?

  • Can this information be revealed through action instead of explanation?

  • If I cut this scene, would the story suffer?

If the answer is no, it’s time to trim.

3. Keep the Plot Thread Tight

A great book pulls readers through the story like a thread. Every scene, every moment, should connect back to that main tension driving the book forward.

One trick I use when working with authors:

  • Write out your plot. Then, look at every chapter and ask:

    • Does this connect to the main plot thread?

    • If not, is it truly necessary?

When in doubt, cut the excess and tighten the pacing.

4. Use Structural Tricks to Increase Pace

There are a few “artificial” ways to speed up a book’s pacing:

  • Shorter chapters – Keeps the momentum high

  • Cliffhangers – Give the reader a reason to turn the page

That said, don’t rely on gimmicks. These tricks only work if the story itself is compelling.

The golden rule? Every moment should push the story forward.

How to Tell If Your Pacing Works

One of the best ways to assess pacing (if you don’t have an editor) is to ask your beta readers the right questions:

  • How long did it take you to read the book?

  • Did you put it down often?

  • Were there parts where you felt bored?

  • Did you ever stay up late reading because you couldn’t stop?

These answers tell you whether your book grips readers—or if it’s just “fine.”

Final Thoughts

Pace is everything in commercial fiction. It’s what separates a book that’s “good” from one that sells.

If you’re struggling with rejection or lukewarm feedback, look at your pacing. Ask the tough questions. Cut the fluff. Start strong. Keep readers hooked.

And if you need help, I’m here.

Until next time—happy writing!