The past few weeks I’ve critiqued six
writing projects: three at a writers conference, two for an
independent publisher, and one for an agent.
I wasn’t an expert on any of those
topics. But I came to each piece with not only an objective eye, but
also one trained in what makes writing succeed.
Both are needed. Even experienced
writers can get so close to their topic, they can mistake others’
familiarity or interest. An outsider can judge if the opening
paragraphs and pages will attract and engage readers. And if the
following material connects all the dots.
Likewise, an outsider can see if all
the pieces fit. Last week I told an independent publisher that her
client’s manuscript had parts of two books. While the introduction
promised one topic, the text didn’t get to that material until more
than halfway through. The lion’s share, while potentially
interesting, had little relation to the promised topic. Worse, it
stopped partway through the opening story.
As an outsider, an hour’s scan of the
manuscript showed significant structural issues invisible to the
author.
Then there was the writer whose
manuscript I critiqued at the conference. The tone suggested someone
who lectured on dusty topics. In person, he turned out to be a
self-made entrepreneur. I simply encouraged him to let his writing
sound like himself, not a weak imitation of his favorite scholar.
While all six projects had potential,
they also needed significant work. Maybe none of the six belonged to
a writers group, or maybe their peers were also too close to see the
problems.
Fortunately, many writers conferences
still offer the option of professional critiques. Done well, they’ll
show you what you most need to know.
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