How do I get a good critique? - Writers Forum

Red_Venus · 12-21-2005, 06:35 PM

Hello all,

I just received notice from a Literary Agent confirming that they would at this point like to help me polish my book for representation. They have asked that I get a "Professional Critique" done, but I am not sure how to go about submitting one? The Agent is going to send me a list of referals to their trusted critique providers, so I basically need help in writing a submission for the critique...

Any suggestions at this point would be extremely helpful.

Thank you!

Selorian · 12-21-2005, 09:05 PM

Quote:

The Agent is going to send me a list of referals to their trusted critique providers,

This, to me, should raise red flags. If they are willing to let you work with someone who isn't referred by them it is all good. If they only want you to go through someone they refer,then chances are they are making money off it.

Quote:

so I basically need help in writing a submission for the critique...

This should be the book that they are wanting to represent you for.If they are going to be helping you find a publisher, it will be the work that they are trying to sell that they will want to be polished, which is what a professional critique would basically be.

Cady · 12-21-2005, 09:14 PM

I dont know much about it, but congrats!

Verago · 12-21-2005, 11:18 PM

Sounds cool, but be careful. Publishers sometimes have a tricky way of screwing you over when you least expect it.

Julianne · 12-22-2005, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red_Venus

The Agent is going to send me a list of referals to their trusted critique providers, so I basically need help in writing a submission for the critique...

Danger, Will Robinson, danger!

Seriously though, this sound fishy--particularly if this critique is going to cost you money. I've never heard of a reputable agent doing this. Who is this agent?

If you don't want to give out a name, at least check him or her out at places like Agentquery.com and anotherealm.com/prededitors.

missmojorising · 12-22-2005, 12:42 AM

http://www.scbwi-washington.org/CritiqueServices.htm

from google

Talia_Brie · 12-22-2005, 01:10 AM

I'm going to disagree with almost everyone here.

I don't think it's unusual now for a literary agent to refer you to a manuscript assessor, or to ask you to seek the services of a manuscript assessor (which I think is what you're referring to).

Agent's now carry the burden of reading for publishing companies. This has occurred since most major publishers won't consider anything that hasn't come from an agent. Therefore another step in the chain has been created, and that's the manuscript assessor.

There are now some agents in Australia who will not review work that has not come with a positive review from a manuscript assessor.

Now, where you do need to be careful is where the agent is offering to do the assessment for you, for a fee. Stay away from them. The point Selorian was trying to make is also valid. I would try to find an assessor who is NOT on the list the agent is sending you. There could be a kickback factor involved.

So, in terms of your original question. How do you get a professional critique? You pay for it. I've had a series of quotes, but my book is quite long. The quotes have all come in around $500.00, and my books is around 215,000 words.

Go into Google and type in Manuscript Assessors (Insert your location here). You should get a good list. Otherwise contact a local library or writer's group. Try to contact the SFWA (if you write SF/fantasy), or a similar type of industry group.

Talia_Brie · 12-22-2005, 01:16 AM

I got a little off track there.

Don't worry about preparing a letter/submission for the assessment. The manuscript assessors will just want a brief synopsis, and then a parcel containing the entire work. They read for money, so you don't have to convince them to take you on.

Nonetheless, contact a couple of them before you send your mss, and make sure they read your genre.

Red_Venus · 12-27-2005, 02:10 PM

I appreciate the feed back. I would like to clarify;

The agent isn't requesting I use only their referal for a critique, just so long as I get one done. I also had my lawyer look at the contract they provided and she said that as far as the contract goes, it is in the agent's best interest to sell my book to a publisher and to act in accordance with the guidelines they have set forth in the contract.

So I guess at this point, I will proceed; but with caution.

Thank you all again!!!!

mammamaia · 01-01-2006, 01:59 AM

if that agent has said he/she wants to help you 'polish' the book, what does that mean?... are they going to charge a fee to do that, after you get the 'critique' [whatever that is supposed to be]?... if so, it's not a legit agency... and no reputable agent is going to sign a client with a book that is not already in shape to be submitted to publishers...

if your attorney doesn't specialize in literary law, she may not be up on the fine points and thus not able to give you appropriate advice...