Thursday, September 16, 2010

September Critique Giveaway

It's critique time. Enter to win! Here are the rules and caveats:
  • I will critique TWO manuscripts each month. By "manuscript" I mean the first 1000 words of a children's magazine story, chapter book, mid-grade novel, or YA novel. Please, fiction only. No picture books or easy readers. No poetry.
  • Enter the drawing by commenting on this post AND stating that you wish to enter. This frees you up to comment, ask a question, or just say hey WITHOUT throwing your name in the hat.
  • For an additional entry, become a follower, and tell me so (or that you already are one) in the comment.
  • For an additional entry, post a link to this contest and give the URL in either the same or a separate comment. In this category, you can enter as many times as you have cyber-places to post the contest.
  • You may enter one ms. per month. While the above rules allow you to enter multiple times, those entries are for ONE manuscript. If the #2 name drawn is a duplicate of #1, drawing will continue until a new name is drawn. This way, two people are assured of a critique each month.
  • Enter now through Sunday September 26.
  • Any story that you plan to enter in an ICL contest is ineligible. Since I am an ICL instructor, I cannot edit stories that you intend to enter in an Institute contest.
  • The level of detail I offer in a critique will vary based on my impression of the caliber of the writing. Whenever possible, I will make both "big picture" comments and zero in on more specific areas.
  • My critique is only one opinion. This business is SO subjective. Any suggestions I make that resonate with you are yours for the taking. Compare mine with those from other beta readers, critique partners, writing teachers, etc. Even if specific suggestions vary, when two or more critiquers pinpoint a certain passage or aspect, there's probably a need for revision there. Yet don't feel you must take advice you don't agree with. In the end, it's your story.
  • Winners will be announced Monday, September 27.
So if the above sounds good to you, let the entering begin!

17 comments:

Susan said...

I'm tossing my name in for the critique drawing. Thanks, Marcia for being so generous with your time and expertise.
Susan

Robin Lemke said...

I would love a critique! Tossing my name in. ;) And I'm a follower.

Marcia said...

Hi Susan and Mystery Robin. Thanks for entering. :)

Angela Ackerman said...

I'm not going to enter as Marcia critted me recently, but I wanted to say good luck to all who enter!

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

Anne Spollen said...

Yup, I'll enter, and I follow already.

Your wip is getting there!

Anonymous said...

I'd love to enter! Thanks for the opportunity, Marcia!

Amy

Marcia said...

Thanks for stopping, Angela! And thanks for entering, Anne and Amy. I'm hoping to finish this revision by the 30th. Not sure I'll make it. Major family visiting going on.

danceluvr said...

Marcia,

I'd love to have another person review my WIP. So please add my name to the contest.

I also posted your offer at http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php?topic=45754.0

Thanks for the opportunity.

Marcia said...

danceluvr, thanks for entering and for posting on Verla's. I used to post on "What did you blog about today?" regularly but have gotten spotty about it. :)

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Marcia--I'd love to toss my name in the hat and ask a question...

I've been working on a chapter book with a male mc...at night he jots down how much money he spent/borrowed or earned in a journal..would I try and show that in the manuscript? (or would that be something that was left to the illustrator or graphics)

Thanks so much for your monthly critiques and your advice. :)

Marcia said...

Hi Sharon -- name in hat! :) Yes, include the figures in your ms. You can just center the journal entries and type what he writes, and that will probably be shown in a different font in the published book.

suzanne said...

I'd love to have your feedback so I'm in for the drawing. I am already a follower of your blog. Thanks for doing this each month.

Suzanne

Marcia said...

Hi Suzanne! Thanks for entering. :)

Jaye Robin Brown said...

Yes, yes, me too! I want my name in the hat and I'm now following you! Thank you.
J.Ro

Marcia said...

Welcome, J Ro, and thanks for entering. :)

MaDonna Maurer said...

Please throw my name in the hat...thanks for taking the time to do this!

Marcia said...

Hi MaDonna -- name thrown! :D