Last night I finished editing the first 14 pages of my manuscript and sent off the first ten to Andrea Graham of www.povbootcamp.com. Since setting up her website, she offered a free critique to anyone who found a typo. I found one!
Now that my manuscript is in her hands, I’m experiencing a bout of dread. What if she finds so many mistakes with my grammar, spelling, story line and characters she emails me back with "Don’t quit your day job. In fact, never write another word with the intent of public consumption."
I know she won’t, but I can’t help but think it. In the end I’ll know where I need to improve, and that’s something difficult to put a price on. If I like what she does, I may hire her to do the rest. If I’m to garner the positive attention of an editor or publisher, my book needs to shine. I’ve taken my manuscript as far as I can, and I could use an extra set of professional eyes to help me polish it further.
In the meantime, I’ll finish one of my other WIPs. I decided not to continue editing my first novel, because Andrea will likely have suggestions I can apply to the rest. I don’t want to waste my time.
I will also be reading Cathy Bryant’s new series on writing emotion. She hopes writers and readers alike will give their thoughts and include examples of what makes — as Randy Ingermanson likes to phrase it — a powerful emotional experience. I hope you’ll participate as well.
Andra's Blog 
It is SOOO scary throwing our baby to the wolves, but I’ve discovered it’s an important part of the process. Feedback is paramount. Congratulations on taking the plunge! 😀
(P.S. Thanks for mentioning the character & emotions discussion at WordVessel!)
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You’re welcome. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot with your series (no pressure, though).
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You’re so funny! Never write another word… well, if she tells you that, I’ll have to track her down and argue. 😉
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Hee, hee.
Thanks, Loraine. You’re a sweety.
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Good for you for spotting that typo! Will you share your thoughts on her editing service when it’s all said and done?
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Absolutely! Part of the deal is I add a testimonial on her website as well.
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I’m sure it will be a great experience. Nothings more valuable than a good critique!
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I’m sure it will be, too, and I look forward to receiving her comments.
Thanks, Brandon.
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Critiques are one of those things you know you have to do but dread doing anyway. It’s hard, isn’t it, to convince yourself that it’s the work they’re critiquing and not you?
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Hi Billy!
Every time, no matter how obvious or small the error once it’s pointed out.
I have to remind myself that the story and how it’s written will be greatly improved.
That darned ego is very hard to keep out of the way.
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I’m impressed at you doing this. And whatever she tells you, as long as it’s respectful, will be valuable!
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Hi Becky!
Thanks.
I’m sure she will be judging by the emails we’ve exchanged and the testimonials by other authors.
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