So, it’s that time again. A little early in the month to be sure, but I’m feeling the itch.
Wait, what are you thinking of? Anyway, it’s time to MAKE A DEAL. Or something. For newcomers (or those with short attention spans) this is the part where I offer my eagle eyes on a platter to give you some feedback on the first twenty pages (or equivalent) of your book. Why 20? Many agencies require a writing sample before they ask for a full. Mine asks for 20. It’s the largest sample size I’ve seen (most agencies do 5 or 10 near as I can tell, which is really all we need, but eh). So, if you’d be interested in having a life-long critic with a year’s worth of experience slogging through 30 queries a day (including weekends and holidays) give you a couple pointers, listen up.
Whoever comments or e-mails me the most amusingly clichéd character or contrived plot twist, especially if it’s something that actually came up in something you were/are trying to write wins a free edit of the first twenty of a WIP of their choice. My only stipulation is that these things must be text. I’ve got too little experience in design to help photo book authors. Children’s books I’ll do. Less happily than MG, YA or Adult, but I won’t hold it against you if you don’t hold whatever I say against me. You’ve been warned: my edits will include sarcastic commentary designed to shame you into self-editing. Because the greatest gift an editor…well, okay, in my case, an agent’s Editorial Assistant can give to a writer is a strong Editorial Superego.
Just a VOTE FOR YOU here. I've been through the wringer and his crits are golden. Do it people!
ReplyDeleteIf the full ms is under consideration at the agency does that disqualify? My love of sarcasm has no limits- even when it's at my expense, so, of course I'd love to enter.
ReplyDeleteAmy, thanks for the VOTE (of confidence) FOR ME.
ReplyDeleteSteph, that WIP is fine. In a perfect world, we'd pick it up and I'd do this anyway, but in a worst case scenario, at least you'll have some extra feedback for the next round of subs.
ok, here goes. doctor in love with his dead girlfriend finds a way to bring her back to life through his dying patients.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Here's hoping for a perfect world.. :)
ReplyDeleteI should start by saying that I actually don't mind clichés all that much- I think they exist because they work (in some cases) (and to a point).
BUT! The first thing I immediately thought of was this:
The athletic, popular, beautiful "perfect girl" who's not really perfect is partnered in Chemistry class with a member of the Latino Blood (who is secretly brilliant) whom she hates.
Within weeks they set aside their deep seated hate and fall in love. The gang member even comes over and bonds with her handicapped sibling to prove that he is better than the average guy.
But they can't stay together- it's too hard, they are from two different worlds. The break up. Everyone is heartbroken. The male mc decides to get jumped out of the gang.
The perfectly imperfect MC moves out of state, and the gang member follows her in khaki chinos and button up shirts and also enrolls in college- MAJORING IN CHEMISTRY.
The Epilogue is the *best* part. When 23 years later, the spawn of the two main characters is seated next to a pretty white girl in the same chemistry class with the same teacher that his parents had.
Awwww....
Although, no synopsis by me could say it any better than the book trailer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr0OtYYpyek
OOOh, oOOOh, I know this one! Is this West Side Story 2, Belle meets Eduardo??
ReplyDeleteWhat the what?? How has West Side Story 2 NOT been done yet. I'm so going to have to go and write that, now! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe book I was referencing was actually very well written and successful, I don't want to sound like I am making fun of it- I did enjoy it! But it *was* full of cliches and contrived plots for convenience sake.