It doesn't matter if you're working on your very first book or your fiftieth you can always use another set of eyes on your manuscript. Having someone else to read your work helps you catch the words you 'think' you see. They find those awkward phrases and run-on sentences. I don't think anyone is immune.
I just finished with the edits for Forgotten Desire and my editor caught several of those stupid little words that I missed. And when you see what they are you'll think she should have known better and you're right, but I 'saw' the right one even though it was wrong.
breaks - brakes My heroine was riding a motorcycle - and every time I read it I saw brakes but had written breaks. How goofy!!!
dear - deer - Aw come on! Don't I know the difference? You know what - I didn't even see the a - I was blind to it.
then - than - Goodness gracious! This one too?
If it wasn't for my editor that would have been published!
Before you ask, no, I don't have a critique group anymore. In the beginning of my writing career I did. Members of my local RWA chapter got together after our meeting once a month and helped each other out with our WIPS. It worked out great for a while, but as people came and went in the chapter I found it wasn't working for me.
Then I became a member of another wonderful critique group. We worked well together and of the six of us four of us were published. I ended up stepping away from the group when it became too much for me. I miss my partners, but we do keep in touch.
When I first started writing I wondered why there weren't that many published authors in the critique group, but now that I 'm the one published I do get it. Between writing, editing those works and trying to promote I don't have the time to be part of a critique group and help the way I want to. Working a day job and focusing on my writing takes up all my time. I think that is why I'm doing this writing down the bones series. My way of giving back.
As I was working on this blog an author on one of the many loops I belong to posted this information on critique groups. I don't know anything about these groups but decided to include it because it could help those looking for a critique group who might not belong to RWA or aren't close enough to a chapter to meet on a regular basis.
Barb:)
I just finished with the edits for Forgotten Desire and my editor caught several of those stupid little words that I missed. And when you see what they are you'll think she should have known better and you're right, but I 'saw' the right one even though it was wrong.
breaks - brakes My heroine was riding a motorcycle - and every time I read it I saw brakes but had written breaks. How goofy!!!
dear - deer - Aw come on! Don't I know the difference? You know what - I didn't even see the a - I was blind to it.
then - than - Goodness gracious! This one too?
If it wasn't for my editor that would have been published!
Before you ask, no, I don't have a critique group anymore. In the beginning of my writing career I did. Members of my local RWA chapter got together after our meeting once a month and helped each other out with our WIPS. It worked out great for a while, but as people came and went in the chapter I found it wasn't working for me.
Then I became a member of another wonderful critique group. We worked well together and of the six of us four of us were published. I ended up stepping away from the group when it became too much for me. I miss my partners, but we do keep in touch.
When I first started writing I wondered why there weren't that many published authors in the critique group, but now that I 'm the one published I do get it. Between writing, editing those works and trying to promote I don't have the time to be part of a critique group and help the way I want to. Working a day job and focusing on my writing takes up all my time. I think that is why I'm doing this writing down the bones series. My way of giving back.
As I was working on this blog an author on one of the many loops I belong to posted this information on critique groups. I don't know anything about these groups but decided to include it because it could help those looking for a critique group who might not belong to RWA or aren't close enough to a chapter to meet on a regular basis.
Barb:)
http://www.ladieswhocritique.com/
http://www.writing-world.com/links/critique.shtml#groups
http://www.writersdigestshop.com/writing-critique-service?cid=3&gclid=CN_a7paAh7gCFWXZQgodqHIA8w
http://www.contestjunkies.com/artman/publish/cat_index_26.php
http://yalitchat.ning.com/
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php
http://www.writing-world.com/links/critique.shtml#groups
http://www.writersdigestshop.com/writing-critique-service?cid=3&gclid=CN_a7paAh7gCFWXZQgodqHIA8w
http://www.contestjunkies.com/artman/publish/cat_index_26.php
http://yalitchat.ning.com/
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php
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