Written by I’m the co-moderator of a children’s writing critique group. We cover picture books to young adult books to magazine articles. In addition to this, I’m a reviewer for a multiple of genres (BookPleasures.com and Muse Book Reviews). Reading a number of books, it’s easy to tell which authors haven’t bothered to have their work critiqued or edited.
Any advice I give, whether in articles, eBooks, or posts, I always include the importance of belonging to a critique group. Even experienced authors depend on the unique perspective and extra eyes that each critique member provides.
The critique group can catch a number of potential problems with your manuscript:
1. Grammatical errors
2. Holes in your story
3. Unclear sentences, paragraphs, or dialogue
4. The forward movement of the story
5. Overuse of a particular word, adjectives and adverbs
6. Unnecessary words to help create a tight story
The list goes on and on. And, there are even more potential problems to be watched out for when writing for children. It’s near impossible for even an experienced writer to catch all his or her own errors.
Your critique partners will also provide suggestions and guidance. Note here, it is up to you whether to heed those suggestion and comments, but if all the members of your group suggest you rewrite a particular sentence for clarity, hopefully a light will go off and you’ll pay attention.
Along with having those extras sets of eyes to help you along, you will begin to see your own writing improve. You will also be able to find your own errors and those of others much quicker. This will help you become a better and more confident writer.
Now, while the critique group does not take the place of an editor, they do help you get to the point where you think you’re ready for submission. At this point, it is always advisable to seek an editor to catch what you and your critique group missed. And, believe me, there will be something in your manuscript that wasn’t picked up on.
When looking into joining a critique group, be sure the group has both new and experienced writers. The experienced writers will help you hone your craft just through their critiques of your work.
If you haven’t already, join a critique group today.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Related Articles:
8 Steps Before Submitting Your Manuscript
Writing, Submissions, and Working with an Editor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great Writing Tools and Programs:
Writing, Publishing, and Marketing – You Can Do It
Writing for Children One Step at a Time
The Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club with Suzanne Lieurance
Write More, Sell More, Make More Money Than EVER in 2010 Coaching Program
With Suzanne Lieurance
Please mention my name if you join one or both of Suzanne’s programs–I am an affiliate of hers. But, I’d like you to know that I only recommend these programs because I belong to them, and I know their value if you’re serious about writing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our FREE monthly newsletter and get TWO FREE eBooks:
The Self-Publisher’s Guide, 2nd Edition
The Blogger’s Checklist
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you want to get that idea turned into a book? Do you want to write your memoirs? Do you need editing, proofreading, or a professional critique? Do you need an e-book to offer as a Freebie on your site? Do you need blog or article visibility for your business? We cover a number of writing services, so please stop by and check it out. Go to: http://dkvwriting4u.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Until next time,
Karen Cioffi
Author, Ghostwriter-for-hire, Freelance writer, Reviewer, and Acquisitions Editor Intern for 4RV Publishing
http://dkvwriting4u.com
Karen Cioffi Writing for Children and More
http://nothingventurednothinggained.org
