Do you remember your first *paid* critique?
You know, the one with the agent/editor/published author? The one where you just *knew* they would be blown away by your genius and offer you a book contract on the spot?
Okay, so maybe that was just me but I do remember my first paid critique. Back in 2004, I had my first critique with a real live editor — someone who worked with authors on a daily basis.
The end result didn’t quite match my daydreams of glory.
But after the bloodshed on the manuscript pages and having the distance of hindsight, that editor gave me a gift.
She kept asking me questions:
Why does your character do this?
Why does your character believe this?
Why does your character say that?
Why? Why? Why?
Although highly irritating at the time, now I realize those questions are the building blocks and the foundation of a novel.
Because if you don’t know the answers, you don’t really know what your novel is about. And if you don’t know what your novel is about, your readers won’t have a clue either.
What are other questions that must be answered about a novel? Do you think you know the answers?
Frequently Asked Questions
June 14, 2010 Read Comments
All great questions. I do remember my first paid crit. It was awesome. As in great advice. I think all questions have to come down to issues of the heart and motivation.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time for me. In less than two weeks I’ll be meeting with editors to pitch my novel at the NYC Pitch conference. Thank you so much for reminding me that a contract isn’t all I can get out of the experience!
I haven’t seek out paid critiques, but these questions are really wonderful ones. It’s great to know your characters’ motivations, why they do things they way they do.
Laura: You are right, the nuggets of knowledge you get from a paid critique or any critique from an agent/editor/author is good.
Heather: Good luck in your pitch. I want to hear good things afterwards.
Sandy: If you can do it, next time you attend a conference, also sign up for a critique. The extra $$ will be worth it.
It’s all so terrifying when I hear stories like this! I’m still working on making my skin tough enough to venture out there!
I think why is the most important qeustion of all :)
Jemi: The first time is always sort of weird because you don’t know what to expect. But from my own experience and those of my writer friends — a critique from a working editor can always give you ideas to make your story stronger! Hope that your steampunk project is going well! :)