Noticing Newbies: March 31, 2010 Issue [#3622]
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Noticing Newbies


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  Edited by: Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter! My name is Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon and I will be the guest editor today. *Smile*


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Using Critique Groups to Polish Your Work


If you’re considering publishing the shorts stories, poems or novels you have in your port, your first step should be to revise, revise, revise! Although most of the comments you receive on your work are probably helpful in the revision process, they may not be in-depth enough to help you polish your work until it shines. This problem is an even bigger concern for those of us working on novels; getting reviews on novels can be next to impossible. In these circumstances, I recommend one of the fine critiquing and publishing groups around the site.

"Let's Publish!Open in new Window. [13+] is a group for writers serious about becoming published authors. Members post their short stories and poems for other members to read, and everyone is required do at least one quality, in-depth review a week. Members also share publishing opportunities with each other, and are required to submit one item every month.

What members of the group have to say:

“What's helped me about "Let's Publish" is the practice--being forced to send out short stories for publication, being forced to write new ones for different venues that members find, and getting used to recieving focused, sharp critiques. By the time you get a rejection back from a publisher, it actually isn't so bad. It's also been quite effective for me. In the nine months I've been a member, I've published three short stories. A fairly good track record for someone who never published before!”-Raven Author IconMail Icon

"Since joining Let's Publish I've learned how to better revise my stories and understand where the holes are. The different reviewers have helped me see what is important to different types of readers, thereby allowing me to learn how to polish my stories for publication without losing my voice or the style or message I want to convey. Most importantly I have been inspired to submit my writing to a myriad of magazines and have now had 4 stories published. It is a supportive group of goal-oriented and dedicated writers."-Veritas Author IconMail Icon

*Note*


"Help Me Get PublishedOpen in new Window. [18+] is a newer group with similar goals as Let’s Publish! but with no minimum participation requirements. Members can post links to their short stories, poems or novel chapters whenever they need feedback. Most include information on where they are looking to publish their work, or ask questions about appropriate markets. Members read, review and critique “with an eye toward getting it published in the author's desired market.”

What members of the group have to say:

"Help Me Get Published is a group for peer review targeted at polishing a member's work for a particular market or publication. In addition to reviews, it's a place to discuss markets, tips, general suggestions, encouragement, and help. There's a forum for discussion, and a separate In&Out item for posting items for review. Members may post any type of item: short stories, poems, essays, articles, novels, reports, etc. of any genre.

While other groups have a minimum participation requirement, we understand that sometimes other aspects of life take priority, so members are encouraged to post their work, and review others' work, as time allows, with no penalties for non-participation. Consequently, there's no restriction on Content Rating or length - members should feel free to post any item they're considering for publication anywhere."- Waltz Invictus Author IconMail Icon

*Note*


"January Editing Month PREP Challenge! Open in new Window. [13+] is a real-time critique group for writers. Members post links to their current projects on an assigned day, and then meet for a live meeting in WDC’s chat once a week. This is a good group for in-depth critiques on novels. Most current, active members post novel chapters on a regular basis.

What members of the group have to say:

"What I enjoy about the Writing Meeting is that a group can discuss different points and ask questions to get feedback. We can leave points where we want specific feedback and do longer pieces like novels if we choose. It's a small group where we get to know each other well as time goes on."- Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon

Take a look around Writing.com. There are sure to be many groups and forums that will help you get your work ready for publication!

Looking for Publishing Advice? Publishing Exchange "The Publishing Place ExchangeOpen in new Window. [E]


Editor's Picks

Work by Newbies:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 You, My Violent Red, My Love. Open in new Window. [E]
For all the reasons I'm in love with you...
by nurulnabilahh Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 And He Cried Open in new Window. [13+]
...you took my hand and saw his ring on my finger …and you cried.
by almost Alice Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Reviewing Resources

 Guidelines To Great Reviewing Open in new Window. [E]
Writing a detailed review takes time. Follow these guidelines for best results!
by The StoryMaster Author Icon

 Rating and Reviewing Items You Read Open in new Window. [E]
Explains how to rate items and why items should be rated.
by The StoryMistress Author Icon

 Rating/Reviewing Preferences Open in new Window. [E]
Choose the best option for any particular item in your portfolio!
by The StoryMistress Author Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99


Ask & Answer

Crys: Good job on this subject, and it's not just for Newbies. Recently, I had a rating changed, and was miffed that I wasn't afforded the opportunity to change it myself. So I asked about it. As it was gently explained to me, the reason for the automatic change is the Sr. Mods and Mods haven't the time to go back and check that such changes were made by the people involved. When you think of how many items are created daily, it can be a daunting task to verify the ratings of even a fraction of them.- JACE Author IconMail Icon

-Good to hear that you appreciated the newsletter, JACE Author IconMail Icon! Maybe I'll address this topic again in a later newsletter. There's so much to be learned about the rating system, and you're right-- the topic isn't just for newbies. Even mods are learning as we go along.

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Word from our sponsor

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