Query Critique Winner

The Random Number Generator has spoken. The winning number is #6--congrats to Emily! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back next Wednesday for another chance to win! :)

Wednesday Query Critique

Is it Wednesday already? It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.

REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tips before entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send." To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!

RULES:

Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you. 

I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email. NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!

Reading Across Genres

I'm sure you've heard how important it is to read widely in the genre you write. For instance, if you write young adult (YA), you should read a truckload of it to know the expectations and nuances of the genre. YA is typically faster-paced and more action-oriented than say, literary book club fiction. There are always exceptions but you should at least know the rules before you break them. Reading is crucial if you want to progress as a writer. Even Stephen King mentions that he reads as much as he writes during a day.

I agree completely with this, but I'm also in favor of reading outside your genre as well. Though I write YA, I just finished The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obrecht (loved it), and am about to start The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach for my book club. I think reading widely allows you to gain more perspective and opens up new possibilities for your writing. Several women in my book club just read 50 Shades of Grey, and though I'm not sure I want to read quite that widely, I admire their resolve to read mommy porn across genres. ;)


What about you? Do you often read outside of your chosen genre? What was the last book you loved that wasn't in the genre you write?

Query Critique Winner

The Random Number Generator has spoken. The winning number is #3--congrats to Ashley Turcotte! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back next Wednesday for another chance to win! :)

Wednesday Query Critique

It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.

REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tips before entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send." To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!

RULES:

Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you. 

I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email. NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!

Query Critique Winner

The Random Number Generator has spoken. The winning number is again #5--congrats to J. Whitworth Hazzard! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back next Wednesday for another chance to win! :)

Wednesday Query Critique

I hope everyone had a fabulous Spring Break! I thought that with both kids out of school, I'd have more time to write which turned out to be delusional on my part. Anyway, I had a great break and am ready to get back to writing...and Wednesday Query Critiques.

These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!

REMINDERS: Please read my prior post on Query Tips before entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send."

RULES:

Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you. 

I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email. NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!

HAPPY SPRING BREAK

I will be off this week, enjoying Spring Break with my kiddos, but I'll be back next week with the weekly query critique. See you soon!