Every writer needs a critique partner (CP) at some point in their lives, and maybe at this point in your life, it's you. Maybe you can't get to the next fantastic writer's conference and network. Maybe you have some excellent CPs, but you have room for one more.
In the hope of making that search a tad easier for Not An Editor followers, this page is for writers in active CP recruitment mode. Writers are able to post their "want ad" in the comments section and to contact anyone with active want ads.
Suggested Want Ad Contents
Information that might be helpful to post in a CP want ad includes:
1. Your target audience (e.g., middle grade, young adult, adult, etc.)
2. Your genre (e.g., contemporary, thriller, mystery, horror, literary, commercial, etc.), though keep in mind that it's okay to critique other genres.
3. Word count
4. A 100-200 word pitch (summary of your story)
5. Timeline: Are you ready for critique exchange now? When do you need to wrap things up?
6. Your name and e-mail address (e.g., mkaley3 at gmail dot com)
7. Anything else you think is important for potential CPs to know, such as your strengths or weaknesses as a writer/critiquer
Critiquerly Commandments
NOTE: Before you post your want ad, you must agree to the following. No exceptions.
1. I shall be ready and open to accept and consider honest and well-thought-out feedback on my work.
2. My work shall be as perfect as possible prior to sending it to another for critique.
3. My work shall be as perfect as possible prior to sending it to another for critique. (Yes, I know. This is repeated for emphasis.)
4. Before I critique anyone's work, I shall read the tips provided in these posts. And perhaps all the posts in Not An Editor, especially those provided in critiquerly interviews.
5. I shall adopt the mission of helping my potential critique partner to realize their potential.
6. I shall commit to the time it takes to provide honed and well-though-out feedback.
7. I shall re-read my critique prior to sending it back to make sure all my comments cannot be construed as having little substance, harsh, mean, or otherwise snarky.
What the Initial Exchange Might Look Like
It may be tempting to think you've found "the one" through the want ads, but take it slow. Instead of sending your entire 80,000-word WiP, consider sending each other something shorter like a query letter or first chapter. You're on the first critiquerly date at this point, and really? There's no commitment until you find each other helpful, thoughtful, and worthy of holding your WiP (AKA: your child--no, your favorite child) in the palm of their hands.
Also? Make sure you spend time and think about the critique you do at this stage before sending it back to your potential CP. Consider it a job interview for your dream job, dream organization, and it's all up to you to reach out and show them what you've got.
Once you are comfortable with one another, make sure to set goals and be clear about your timelines. When are you thinking of querying? Do you have other projects on the horizon? What are your goals (e.g., self-pub, agent acquisition, etc.)?
Happy Critiquing
This page is provided for the benefit of writers, and Not an Editor will not intervene in any way. Look through the listings and see if anything catches your eye. Contact that writer, and commit to timelines. The worst that can happen is you won't mesh and you'll need to contact someone else. But the best? Well, it's way worth it.
Feel free to remove your want ad by deleting your comment once you've found your dream critique partner(s), and feel free to post your success story of critiquerly bliss here as well.
3 comments:
HI MARY! Thanks for the opportunity. I'll go first. :)
THE FIRE AND THE VEIL
1. Your target audience (e.g., middle grade, young adult, adult, etc.): Adults, although I think YAs would enjoy it too.
2. Your genre (e.g., contemporary, thriller, mystery, horror, literary, commercial, etc.): paranormal mystery
3. Word count: 84K
4. A 100-200 word pitch (summary of your story):
This is a sequel to THE RIVER AND THE ROSES, the first in the Veronica Barry series. Veronica is psychic but only just coming to terms with her abilities as she has spent most of her life denying them. In book 2 she reconnects with Khalilah Jadeed, who asks for her help in finding a missing person, and Veronica also starts to have dreams about a troubled student from one of the classes she teaches. Her budding relationship with Detective Seong hits some turbulence when he objects to her getting involved in possibly dangerous situations.
5. Timeline: Are you ready for critique exchange now? When do you need to wrap things up?
I'll be ready, fingers crossed, by the end of this week (8/4/11). I'd like to receive the critique back by early September.
6. Your name and e-mail address: Sophia Martin: sophia-martin at hotmail dot com
7. Anything else you think is important for potential CPs to know, such as your strengths or weaknesses as a writer/critiquer:
I can be pretty anal about grammar and spelling, having worked as an English teacher, so let me know if you don't want that kind of feedback. I'm trying to find a balance when it comes to to-be verbs in my own work, so let me know whether you want me to ignore them in yours or point them out. I may not be able to prevent myself from critiquing the use of passive tense. Let me know what kind of feedback you're most in need of ahead of time.
I'll go, um, second.
WANTED: One reasonably bright, hugely patient critique partner for epic fantasy monsterpiece "Judgement's Tale", 202k words set in the Lands of Hope.
ME: Newish chronicler of epic and heroic fantasy tales. Hardly stupid, but enthusiasm scores much higher than sanity. Tends to insist the world he writes about is real and that heroes from there are walking among us. Grain of salt advised on approach. A prompt and faithful reviewer of your material, though cannot be relied on to always side with you versus your characters.
TURN-ONs: People who decide to do the right thing despite the odds, stories where crime does not pay (though it may come close).
YOU: A devoted fan of measured paces, deep character development and the Meaning-Of-It-All. Fine with grammar, but passionate about plot and character. Long-term recall important- comfortable with the serial character rosters of GRR Martin and Tad Williams et al. Sense of humor mandatory. Has something long in development and ready to show in exchange, so that mutual service may be rendered.
TURN-ONs: Hearing how the chapter you've just posted reminds the reader of a particular "Star Trek" episode. Discussing the background of your world, the philosophy underlying the plot, and whether your characters have acted consistently.
WHEN: Interested parties should contact Will Hahn at Trekelny@comcast.net. My WIP is ready for review in chapters now. Yours can be reviewed at any time. No deadline for "Judgement's Tale" as I am still unsure whether to seek traditional representation or e-pub.
Will Hahn's shorter tales can be found at Smashwords.com and the major online retailers.
1. Your target audience: Young Adult
2. Your genre: Fantasy
3. Word count: 57k
4. A 100-200 word pitch: Isabel Alaja always wanted to find her origins, but her identity becomes extremely important when a necromancer slaughters her village and tries to abduct her on her sixteenth birthday. As a new initiate to the shaman order, she must learn her identity and how to use her powers in order to stop the necromancer from destroying her and her homeland.
5. Timeline: As soon as you're ready!
6. Your name and e-mail address: Jessica Stampe / jessica (at) jessicadstampe (dot) com
7. Anything else you think is important for potential CPs to know: I'm good with grammar and story flow, but I don't know how good I am at telling you how your plot could improve.
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