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Noticing Newbies: May 20, 2009 Issue [#3057]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Asking For Reviews
  Edited by: esprit 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! Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com

We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Candor is the brightest gem of criticism. - Benjamin Disraeli



Asking For Reviews



*Bullet* What to Give Them

You have decided you want someone to read and review your writing. What should you give them? Unless you already have a working relationship with a group or review partner, please consider the following three suggestions:

1. Start with a chapter. Unless you are paying someone to read thousands of your words, then don't begin by saying, "Could you give me a critique of my 80,000-word novel?" Instead, ask a reviewer to read and comment on one chapter at a time.

2. Give them your very best. Don't think that poor grammar and typos are excusable simply because you are not sending your work to an agent or an editor. Wait until you have finished your piece and re-read it several times before passing it along. Not giving reviewers your best is actually insulting because you're wasting their time - you are telling them that they do not merit your very best. If you give them a piece full of obvious mistakes, then you may ruin your chances with getting a good critique of the story. In addition, they may be reluctant to look at anything else.

Not giving reviewers your very best wastes your time, too. How? Well, good reviewers should be used to help you find the problems that you can't find on your own. If all they do is point out the problems that you already knew were there, then how have they helped you?

3. Don't argue with your reviewer after receiving a review. Of course you may ask for clarification of an unknown term, but leave it at that. Telling a reviewer that he was wrong and you're not going to change a word will only cause the reviewer to wonder why you asked him for his time in the first place. Use the suggestions that help this work, and file the others away as general writing lessons. Final changes are always the choice of the author.

resource:
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/fictionfix/0511%20Grossack.html

Enjoy the site! There is truly something for everyone.


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Editor's Picks

 Untitled Open in new Window. [13+]
This is a chapter I'm working on, the scene just popped into my head.
by J.T Moore Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 I feel the need...the need for speed! Open in new Window. [E]
a great heart racing story
by bimz da beast Author Icon

 Escapist Open in new Window. [E]
A short poem
by Mary Smith Author Icon

 BestFriends Open in new Window. [18+]
I was given a first line, I just ran with it.
by JessyJ HeyHeyHey Author Icon

 Greatest Hope, Greatest Fear Open in new Window. [E]
Self-therapeutic writing or self-indulgent whining. You decide :-)
by opsdog Author Icon



Remember to read your neighbor's work too!

********************


Helpful Links

Image Protector
The Angel Army Open in new Window. [ASR]
Our mission? To welcome and promote a positive community within WDC. Join us today!
by iKïyå§ama Author Icon

 
Image Protector
Fiction: Common Story Mistakes Open in new Window. [E]
Revising and rewriting are the most important parts of writing.
by Joy Author Icon

Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. [E]
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 
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!



Ask & Answer

Comments on "Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

Submitted By: Acme Author Icon
Submitted Comment: Thanks for this guide to the accounts, esprit. Like you, the space, amongst other considerations, has been behind my preference of the Premium Account... and the fact I'd feel a little daft without my googly eyes

Losing the googly eyes would be like losing a trademark, acme. Unthinkable!


Submitted By: Doug Rainbow Author Icon
Submitted Comment: I approached this site with trepidation. I feel pretty good about my writing, but I am not competent with computers. I am unable to use much of what this site offers because I do not know where to click or what button to push. My solution is to experiment and observe. This site entails no risk, unless you are devastated by a bad review. As for "newbie" status, either I never was one, or I will remain one for a long, long time. The site is growing on me.

You know if you have any questions you can ask anyone, and the back issues of this newsletter has many answers. As with learning anything new, the best way is to jump in and explore--so you're on the right track. Just don't push the Big Red Button!
*Smile*

Submitted By: sarahreed
Submitted Comment: Thanks for going over the benefits of membership levels. I'm comfortable at upgraded, but now I know the added features of premium for when I'm ready to move up.

You're in the majority group, Sara. Most members find Upgraded to cover their needs very well.


Submitted By: northernwrites
Submitted Comment: A useful topic. In these tough economic times, many of us have to decide what's a need and what's a want when it comes to our memberships. This detailed rundown on why things are useful helps define the line between for those who are close enough to the tipping point to wonder which side is the best choice for them.

Northernwrites


Yes, an Upgrade is sensible and is the most popular, but I guarantee that once a member holds a Premium membership, they'll try to find a way to keep it forever. I absolutely love it!



We always appreciate the feedback, thanks!

Editors:

CHRISTMAS cub-BELLS R RINGING! Author Icon
laurencia

Your host this week is esprit Author Icon


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Removal Instructions

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