I"m often approached by unpublished writers and asked if I'll read their manuscripts. Unfortunately, writing time and touring doesn't enable me to do that, and I never feel adequately qualified to critique. Not every footballer or swimmer makes a great coach in their sport, and that's how I feel about commenting on how to improve a manuscript. Even so, I fully appreciate how difficult it is to get published, and would like to help anyone who has shown the dedication to write a novel. That is a huge achievement in itself.
Friends aren't always the best readers, either, as they have their own agendas, expectations, and may be less than totally honest to spare your feelings, or unreasonably negative for their own reasons.
There are manuscript appraisal services around (they all cost money) and it's helpful to join the Australian Society of Authors or country equivalent and Writers Centres in your state. Romance Writers are a fantastic organisation, as are Mystery Writers' groups like Sisters in Crime, Partners in Crime, International Thriller Writers, etc. Writers Digest have some brilliant resources as well. Apologies to anyone I've accidentally omitted.
I also recommend this great writing site: www.writing4success.com It's run by a wonderful writing tutor, Marg McAlister, who has helped me enormously. (I have no financial interest in the site or its dealings, just a passionate belief that it is a quality service.) Marg runs tutoirals and is brutally honest, but in my experience, she is spot on. There are also fantastic tipsheets that I still refer to. Any serious writer will benefit from the advice and constructive criticism. Again, it costs money, but there aren't many careers where you don't have to invest anything. Even tradesmen need tools and have to learn their trade. I know that when you're not earning from writing that's difficult, but it is an investment in your career. Just as are books - dictionaries, a thesaurus, references on how to write, how not to write, and good novels. No one can expect to write well if they don't read a lot.
Every professional author I know has made the sacrifices to reach their dream, and continues to. It's never easy, but if you are prepared to write, rewrite and accept helpful criticism, you're well on your way. Actually, that's what published authors do all day!!
Having said all that, here is a fabulous (and free!!!) opportunity for any aspiring crime writer. It's a crime writing competition being run by Penguin publishing.
Best of luck to everyone who enters!!!
Kathryn
Do you have what it takes to write a commercial crime/thriller novel?
If
so, enter our Penguin Crime Writing Competition and if you are judged
the winner by our expert panel you will be published by Penguin
Australia.
Three runners up will receive a full publishing critique of their work.
The
judging panel is Beverley Cousins Editorial Director, Penguin Group
(UK), Robert Sessions, Publishing Director Penguin Group (Australia),
Paul Landymore (Bookseller Readings Books & Music) and bestselling
crime authors Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, AKA Nicci French.
To
enter your submission should be formatted in Microsoft Word and typed
on A4 plain paper with double-spacing between the lines.
Please submit the following four (4) items.
(i) Your full contact details, name, address, day time contact phone number and current email address.
(ii) The opening chapters – up to and no more than 5000 words.
(iii) A full synopsis – 1000 words or less, including the ending and an estimated word count of your novel.
(iv) Back cover copy – 100 words or less.
You can email or post to
Penguin Crime Writing Competition
Marketing Department
Box 701
Hawthorn VIC 3122
Remember to include all four (4) items mentioned above.
HURRY COMPETITION CLOSES MONDAY 23RD JUNE, 2008.