Looking for new authors

[Danrama]

I may be misreading your post, but you won't be able to put any part of Book One up in Critiques once it's published -- the forum is for unpublished work only. As to your hope for others here to give feedback on the entire book once it is published... we rather value reciprocity, so your chances are greater if you prove yourself to be an active, helpful member.

No, you didn't misread my post, it is more that I did not realise I couldn't post published work for criticism. No matter, I am more looking for input into the second novel I am working on now. Also, I do not expect to receive something for nothing and would be happy to read and review others work and give feedback. I have reached a point now where I have finished writing two books, one is being released in two weeks and I feel like I am catapulting into the unknown. Hence why I returned here for some more guidance and input.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Well, what would be the point of posting something published for criticism?

We offer short critiques on the critiques board, because even with just a few paragraphs, most mistakes tend to be obvious - ie, poor POV use, poorly constructed sentences, adverbs, passive voice, etc.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Also, I do not expect to receive something for nothing and would be happy to read and review others work and give feedback. .

You don't need to reach the 30 posts to critique on the board, and feedback is always received gratefully.

 

[Danrama]

Well, what would be the point of posting something published for criticism?

For me personally, even after my first novel is released, I want to keep growing as a writer with input from peers.

You don't need to reach the 30 posts to critique on the board, and feedback is always received gratefully.

I shall do that now

 

[The Judge]

For me personally, even after my first novel is released, I want to keep growing as a writer with input from peers.

As do we all, if we are serious about being writers, but I think you've missed Brian's point.

The Critiques forum is there in the first instance to point up errors in a piece of work. If the work is already published, then it's a trifle late to be worrying about those errors since they can't be corrected. Granted it might help in the writing of a second book, but if the first is riddled with mistakes, that's unlikely to be of help in selling either of them.

Frankly, though, your original idea of putting up published work for critique, plus your wish for people to consider the book in full but only once it is published, appears not so much an effort to improve your skills (since most people would do all of that before publication, not afterwards) but rather an attempt to get reviews for the novel in an effort to publicise it further. That is a different matter altogether.

It might help to avoid even the appearance of this -- no doubt erroneous -- impression if you talked somewhat less about your book and its impending publication.

 

[Danrama]

Frankly, though, your original idea of putting up published work for critique, plus your wish for people to consider the book in full but only once it is published, appears not so much an effort to improve your skills (since most people would do all of that before publication, not afterwards) but rather an attempt to get reviews for the novel in an effort to publicise it further. That is a different matter altogether.

It might help to avoid even the appearance of this -- no doubt erroneous -- impression if you talked somewhat less about your book and its impending publication.

It is hard not to be excited and terrified at my first book being released. It has dominated my thoughts incredibly over the last couple of months. I would be lying if I said I did not want to promote it. Though I am not here for that reason and I only need to pick up any of my favourite authors books to know how far I wish to grow as an author myself.

I originally came to this site for support at the point where I was approaching agents and publishers and one of the agents who actually gave me feedback (who is a prominent member of this site) suggested that I come here and become a part of the community.

If you believe that I should not be a part of the community here then I will delete my account.

 

[Kylara]

I think what The Judge is getting at (and please do correct me if I am wrong!) is more like contribute to the site, have a look around, join in some discussions (which I can see you have been doing) maybe wander over to crits and have a look (which I also notice you've been doing!) and cement yourself as a constant member, not just someone who has a book coming out and wants to chat about it and will then disappear once it comes out and has a few reviews. We would happily crit some stuff (once you reach the required post count) of unpublished stuff, but maybe the blog area would be better for all the over exuberance about your new novel and how you have been dealing with the things that entails, rather than bringing it up in many places whilst you are still too new to be allowed to promote it...(the blog section is something absolutely wonderful on here, I haven't decided what I'm going to use mine for yet, hence no posts, but others use it for varied and interesting things, and maybe your excitement would be best suited over there until you become a more ingrained member) I for one am enjoying some of your comments, so don't go rushing off quite yet (at least not until you've commented on my stuff in crits :wink: ) the more the merrier!

 

[Danrama]

I think what The Judge is getting at (and please do correct me if I am wrong!) is more like contribute to the site, have a look around, join in some discussions (which I can see you have been doing) maybe wander over to crits and have a look (which I also notice you've been doing!) and cement yourself as a constant member, not just someone who has a book coming out and wants to chat about it and will then disappear once it comes out and has a few reviews. We would happily crit some stuff (once you reach the required post count) of unpublished stuff, but maybe the blog area would be better for all the over exuberance about your new novel and how you have been dealing with the things that entails, rather than bringing it up in many places whilst you are still too new to be allowed to promote it...(the blog section is something absolutely wonderful on here, I haven't decided what I'm going to use mine for yet, hence no posts, but others use it for varied and interesting things, and maybe your excitement would be best suited over there until you become a more ingrained member) I for one am enjoying some of your comments, so don't go rushing off quite yet (at least not until you've commented on my stuff in crits :wink: ) the more the merrier!

Thankyou

I feel at the moment like I have walked into a bar... the honky-tonk has gone dead silent and the bar tender spits in his cup and looks un-welcomingly toward me...

 

[Kylara]

Just don't call the Librarian a monkey and you'll be fine :wink:

 

[The Judge]

We don't spit in anyone's drink. The standard of drinks the bar dispenses, we don't have to.

We like to think of ourselves as a welcoming saloon, the kind where everyone knows your name -- but we tend to welcome those who wish to contribute, not those who wish to use us. We see a great many people who come here with the sole intention of promoting their books/websites/whatevers -- and who are thrown out again in pretty short order after a very speedy trial and judgement -- so when someone comes through the swing doors we pay a lot of attention as to how they behave in those first few minutes. Strangers who stand at the counter talking loudly about themselves instead of watching and commenting on the cabaret, or instead of sitting at a table listening and joining in with the other conversations, tend to be treated with a touch of suspicion as a result. Sometimes that suspicion is justified. Sometimes it isn't. In the latter case we always regret having to show the shotgun we keep under the counter, but this is how we ensure the bar is run best for those who enjoy being here.


Kylara is correct -- save that the prohibition on newbies self-promoting runs in the blogs, too. Joining in, and showing oneself willing to help/advise/console/encourage others, is the most important thing any new member can do. And that, incidentally, is a far better way of promoting oneself than any number of press releases.

 

[Kylara]

Kylara is correct -- save that the prohibition on newbies self-promoting runs in the blogs, too.

Hmm I thought that might be the case...but what's the view on the process itself? Things like the best places to find cover art (probably deviantart or somewhere similar) and the pros and cons of copyeditors...problems that you overcame, much like MstrTal's thread in the GWD...

You have a shotgun Judge? I had you down as more of a rifle person myself :wink:

 

[Danrama]

Strangers who stand at the counter talking loudly about themselves instead of watching and commenting on the cabaret, or instead of sitting at a table listening and joining in with the other conversations, tend to be treated with a touch of suspicion as a result. Sometimes that suspicion is justified. Sometimes it isn't. In the latter case we always regret having to show the shotgun we keep under the counter, but this is how we ensure the bar is run best for those who enjoy being here.

I do understand your position. With myself there is no need to reach under the counter unless its for a fine glass of your bottom shelf. I was reared on bad whiskey

 

[Danrama]

Hmm I thought that might be the case...but what's the view on the process itself? Things like the best places to find cover art (probably deviantart or somewhere similar) and the pros and cons of copyeditors...problems that you overcame, much like MstrTal's thread in the GWD...

You have a shotgun Judge? I had you down as more of a rifle person myself :wink:

I have some amusing stories on dealing with artists. I am lucky who I ended up with.

 

[The Judge]

Hmm I thought that might be the case...but what's the view on the process itself? Things like the best places to find cover art (probably deviantart or somewhere similar) and the pros and cons of copyeditors...problems that you overcame, much like MstrTal's thread in the GWD...

There's a difference between asking for help, eg in finding a copy editor or whatever, while the book is being written or being made ready for publication, which is acceptable, and pushing the book itself, which isn't. Sometimes the line gets a bit blurry, but we can usually tell if someone is just over-enthusiastic and we can help them to quieten down a little. With a straitjacket if need be.

You have a shotgun Judge? I had you down as more of a rifle person myself

The shotgun isn't mine, it's Culhwch's. I have a very pointy sword which is more than effective. (Ursa, incidentally, has extremely sharp claws and teeth (do not let his sweet appearance fool you), Teresa and nixie have magical powers as befits their supernaturalness, and pyan has tentacles, which are green and rather... unsettling... in the close confinement of the Staff Room.)

 

[Kylara]

Yes that makes a bit more sense, I'm nowhere near any of that myself but I was intrigued as to the limits...

A sword, yes, I do believe that suits you well, hopefully it is a little sturdier than a rapier? Plus swords have the added bonus of being shiny and the ability to knight people, and get stuck in stones :wink:

All we need now are a few horses and transport to the hampshire downs, and we can take a suitably impressive picture on one of the hills, with you brandishing your pointy sword...that would make for a most excellent skyline silhouette, what with a bear and a tentacled green uhh pyan...

 

[Danrama]

There's a difference between asking for help, eg in finding a copy editor or whatever, while the book is being written or being made ready for publication, which is acceptable, and pushing the book itself, which isn't.

I am no different from any other author that has decided to publish outside the publishing houses. We all feel far more uncertain and unsure as to if we made the right choice and if we are getting ripped off. Even after a book hits the e-shelf. Personally I have spent countless hours reading forums and articles in relation to designers and artists, independent publishing company reviews, horror stories and the like.
I feel the "once bitten twice shy" reaction from some here due to my enthusiasm regarding my happiness at finally coming to a publishing decision.
I have removed every single website link on here that I have posted as a sign of solidarity. Although I do feel disappointed at my enthusiasm being quashed and hammered down. I am posting in the publishing section and I am contributing to other areas of the forums.
I would hate to think others like me that are genuine writers, in this big bad world of cold agents and hard to reach publishing houses, looking for safe havens, end up being tossed out at gun point due to enthusiasm.

 

[allmywires]

I think what everyone's trying to say is that after spending a while on these forums, you do come across a few people who post just to get feedback on their novels - which in itself is not a crime - whizz their way to 30 posts, post something in Critiques and then magically are never heard of again. If you want to post about being published or needing help, you have to appreciate that a lot of us don't have the inclination to critique/read through/ whatever of a huge piece of work for somebody who's likely to clear off once feedback has been received. Not saying that you'll be one of them, but it happens a lot.

I wonder if somewhere like Critters might be better suited for what you want? There people are specifically devoted to critiquing. Nevertheless, I'm sure if you spend some more time on the forums - as you are doing - people will be more inclined to help you. It's not an instantaneous process.

 

[Kylara]

I would hate to think others like me that are genuine writers, in this big bad world of cold agents and hard to reach publishing houses, looking for safe havens, end up being tossed out at gun point due to enthusiasm.

I think we are a little worried about something that occurs frequently on another forum I visit. Over there we call them drive by posters, and as it is a forum about words, it isn't so much of an issue, except when the rest of the members spend a while researching and thinking and replying only to find that the OP has driven off, never to be seen again.

Here it would be much worse, hence the rules about promoting and posting in critiques, while we love hearing and reading things, we don't like being used for our brains. We prefer to get to know the newbie, chat to them and be sure that they will hang around for as long as possible because they like the things we have here, and are not just going to use us for our individual skills and then disappear. It's a case of giving both ways.

I myself am still relatively new, and I also traverse the 'net a fair ol' bit, so I know how some things can come across as being harsher than intended. Judge is just being firm and trying to put the rules down so that you will realise and then roll on into the craziness of this huge glorious rambling forum without making too many mistakes and raising peoples hackles.

Stick around, pleae, and you will notice how friendly we all are, we're just a little defensive at first, probably due to bad experience and let downs. (Not saying you are either heh) We have a wide range of people on here, some published (lucky people!) some searching for publishers, some working on their stuff, some writing for fun, some who write nothing at all, and some who enjoy the company, (not to forget the hordes of readers!) so you'll fit right in. Such enthusiasm can be a little frightening at first from a newcomer, but we don't want you to run off!

Oh and I have discovered that Judge does in fact have a sword, I have yet to determine if it has a sparkly handle or any mysterious powers...I'll keep you updated :wink:

 

[Danrama]

I think what everyone's trying to say is that after spending a while on these forums, you do come across a few people who post just to get feedback on their novels - which in itself is not a crime - whizz their way to 30 posts, post something in Critiques and then magically are never heard of again. If you want to post about being published or needing help, you have to appreciate that a lot of us don't have the inclination to critique/read through/ whatever of a huge piece of work for somebody who's likely to clear off once feedback has been received. Not saying that you'll be one of them, but it happens a lot.

I wonder if somewhere like Critters might be better suited for what you want? There people are specifically devoted to critiquing. Nevertheless, I'm sure if you spend some more time on the forums - as you are doing - people will be more inclined to help you. It's not an instantaneous process.

That makes no sense to me to just promote my book then leave. How is that tactic ever going to work. I am not planning on writing one book in my entire life...
I suppose in the first two months that I was on here I was treated normally and I posted some threads and had some decent conversations... then I mentioned I had a book being released in a few threads and BAM. I was in trouble.

"I wonder if somewhere like Critters might be better suited for what you want?"

...

 

[allmywires]

I think you've misinterpreted me - I said that we get a lot of people who just want to get critiqued and then leave. I didn't imply you are one. I only mentioned Critters as a place where you could get detailed feedback for full-length novel pieces, which obviously the Critiques section on here doesn't offer.