Comments and Critiques
Authors and aspiring writers frequently muse on how to get their work read, reviewed, and conceivably published by a major publishing house. Comments and Critiques can play an essential role in achieving this.
As many decide to follow the path of self-publishing, a great deal of debate is going on about acceptable ways to promote one’s work.
Getting the Most out of Comments and Critiques
At some point in your writing career, you should seek feedback on your work. Sure, your mom can look it over. Your best friend can read your new novel, but one of the best sources for critiques is from your peers if you want honest criticism.
Critiques Can Be Wrong
An important aspect you must consider is that critiques, reviews, evaluations, and opinions can be wrong. Even professional editors are not always right. Just be prepared to take each critique seriously and see if you can apply it to your work.
“I Like your Story”
Someone said they like your work. Great!
Then they start to get into a more substantial critique. Do not automatically tune out everything after the BUT…
If you think it is totally off the mark, move on. Ask other writers in our community about the person’s comments. Do not be afraid. You are here to further your writing vocation.
“I Hate Your Story.”
That is hardly feedback, and it is certainly not helpful. We frown upon this type of comment and will not publish it. We want to help you build confidence in your writing. Being constructive is the key.
Positives and Negatives
On that note, when giving feedback on another’s work, why not point out both the positives and the negatives? If the plotline is strong, say so. If the characters need work, let the writer know.
This approach can work miracles for a struggling writer. No matter their level of experience, whether you are just starting or have already published several novels. Are you ready to gain a new appreciation for the writing process and network with your fellow writers on Angie’s Diary? It can help you get a fresh perspective on your writing.
Receive but Be Prepared to Give
Don’t expect your fellow authors to overwhelm you with comments on your first post. Of course, it does happen, even regularly – but instead, start giving feedback on the work other writers have posted, as they will almost certainly reciprocate. This type of engagement is an essential aspect of this magazine.
“I Don’t Know How to Give Feedback!”
Of course, you do. Just as you can spot strong and weak points in your work at hand, you can point out the same in other people’s work. In fact, by reading work from other writers, you can help develop a sense of what works and what doesn’t. Developing that sense will help you to improve your writing skills along the way.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
How to Decide Which Type of Publishing is Right for You?
Traditional Publishing Pros
- Widespread distribution and exposure
- Most offer an advance, sometimes a substantial one
- They do the editing, formatting, cover art
- Marketing and promotion power
Traditional Publishing Cons
- Very hard to get published
- Slow processing until publication (6-18 months).
- High book and eBook prices
- They decide the title, cover art, and the final version
- Royalties are paid only twice a year
- Low royalty rates (6 – 25%)
Self-Publishing Pros
- Royalties (fees) paid once a month
- Complete control over price, cover, and final version
- The publication is virtually instant
- Easy to implement changes
- Every decision is yours
- High royalty rates
- Anyone can do it
Self-Publishing Cons
- No free professional editing, formatting, or cover art
- Hard work to market and promote
- Fewer sales
- Less than 10% of total current book sales
- Higher likelihood to publish substandard books
Google Search Strategies
Are you looking for guest posting opportunities? Google is the best place to start your search, providing essential data and opportunities to get your work published and find your niche of interest.
For example: Use any of the following keyword searches to find blogs that accept guest posts. Just replace the keyword with keywords from your industry or sphere of interest. Search for exact results, using “quotes.”
- “submit a guest post”
- “guest post”
- “accepting guest posts”
- “guest post guidelines”
This search method enables you to quickly find blogs like Angie’s Diary and other literary magazines and guest blogs.
Helpful hints
Do you recognize one or more of your goals?
- First of all, I want people to read my articles.
- I want to become a bestselling author.
I want to get published by Harper-Collins or similar publishing houses; please, check out some ideas that are NOT in violation of Angie′s policy:
Get the most out of your free Basic Account:
- Submit your best work to hone your writing skills and gain recognition in the blogosphere.
- Engage other writers on Angie’s Diary and other literary magazines and guest blogs regularly.
- State your intent: tell the reader why this story has you intrigued.
- Try to stand out in your niche of expertise. Become specialized in the topics you pitch.
- Visit and interact with writers on other sites with compelling content.
Premium or PRO members can also:
- Post book reviews
- Post book excerpts
- Book of the Week publications & mailings
- Please keep us in the loop of your releases, so we can regularly make suggestions to our readers
- PRO members receive a 50% discount on all advertising rates
Best Practice
- Define your goals for blogging in general and specifically for a particular article you just wrote.
- Be professional and creative. There is a risk you will get shot down, but don’t take it personally.
- Generate interest in your writings and link back to your site in your profile – biography.
- Share your posts, comments, and critiques on several social networks and niche-related groups.
- Ask your friends and colleagues to do the same.
