From YA author Susan Dennard a 50 page + query letter critique!
Susan is a reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. She used to be a marine biologist, but now she writes novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (she really likes swoon-worthy rogues). She lives in Germany with my French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about her crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on twitter, facebook, or Goodreads. Her debut, Something Strange and Deadly, will be available from HarperCollins in July of 2012!
Susan's critique strengths in her own words:
1) I'm tough. There's no holding back here. If I see something that's an issue (be it a plot hole, an inconsistent character, poor dialogue tags, etc.), I point it out. ALL of it. But...that said...
2) I say it nicely. Writing and reading are so subjective, I make sure to emphasize that all my comments are my opinion. It's up to YOU to decide if you want to listen or not. I've received many comments from crit partners that I've chosen to ignore, and I'm sure they've received many from me that they've opted to ignore. :)
3) I also offer suggestions for how to fix things I think are issues. If I see a flat paragraph, I'll over you ideas for how to amp up the emotion. If I see a character behaving "out of character", I'll write up suggestions for how I think the character would act. Sometimes, it's impossible to see our own issues--much less come up with solutions! Oftentimes, an outsider can spot things and find ways to fix problems that you're simply too close to the story to catch.”
2) I say it nicely. Writing and reading are so subjective, I make sure to emphasize that all my comments are my opinion. It's up to YOU to decide if you want to listen or not. I've received many comments from crit partners that I've chosen to ignore, and I'm sure they've received many from me that they've opted to ignore. :)
3) I also offer suggestions for how to fix things I think are issues. If I see a flat paragraph, I'll over you ideas for how to amp up the emotion. If I see a character behaving "out of character", I'll write up suggestions for how I think the character would act. Sometimes, it's impossible to see our own issues--much less come up with solutions! Oftentimes, an outsider can spot things and find ways to fix problems that you're simply too close to the story to catch.”
Bidding is open until January 23rd 10.00PM GMT
Bidding is in POUNDS (£)
8 comments:
I'm shaking a 20 pound note at Sooz here, to kick off the bidding :)
40 pounds sterling... and worth every shilling!
60 pounds. I really want to win this.
70 pounds
80 pounds! :D
I am glad I checked back. I really want this.
My new bid is 100 pounds.
110 GBP!
Bidding on this item is now closed.
Congratulations hmlashelle
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click “please donate” (under the header Fundraising)
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Thank you
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