Strong writing

[Rupert 'gain]

A while back I completed my manuscript. I checked it for spelling, typos, holes in the plotline and sent it off to (lost count) agents. Everyone took a pass.

I get it; I get that one book in a thousand makes it to the printing press, but something about the responses seemed, hmm, off. At last one agent wrote and said he thought the story "was complelling but the writing wasn't strong enough to sell to a publisher."

Ok. I've done critiques for the longest time, had the writer-in-residence (used an in; I'm way past college days) look at my work. Overall impressions were positive. By good chance I lucked onto a professional writing coach, (didn't know such creatures existed) who offered to critique my first three chapters gratis.

She was wonderful. I learned much from her critical review. Since then I've purged almost every adverb I've come across, tightened up my POVs, rid myself of superfluous material and whittled the manuscript even more. It's a better read, but I'd be interested and grateful to anyone who can share their insights and experiences about (strong or conversely weak) writing.

[Loz]

Have you checked out the beta reader section? It might help for getting some useful feedback. I can't think up any specific tip without seeing a particular snippet of writing, only read like a biatch and know your genre like it's your only child.

[Redlorry]

I learned to strengthen my writing by writing with a great partner. I can't begin to explain how much I've improved just by co-writing.

Like Loz said, we can't comment on your writing unless you want to share a chapter or snippet with us in Member's Only.

[Rupert 'gain]

Originally Posted by Loz

Have you checked out the beta reader section? It might help for getting some useful feedback. I can't think up any specific tip without seeing a particular snippet of writing, only read like a biatch and know your genre like it's your only child.

New here, so not quite certain what that means. Can you explain? Thanks.

[Redlorry]

Beta readers are people who will read your novel for you and provide feedback. We have a beta reader section on the forum for people who want to swap novels.

And we can't really comment on your writing until we see some.

To strengthen your writing it's important to read lots and be confident in the genre or style that you're writing in.

Hope that helps.

[Loz]

Thanks Lorry.

@ Rupert, what Lorry said The link is here so you can check it out if you like: http://www.writersbeat.com/showthread.php?t=26631

[CandraH]

I think Rupert just wanted to wax lyrical about his own achievements, and to discuss other people's experiences, rather than actually ask for help.

[Rupert 'gain]

Originally Posted by CandraH

I think Rupert just wanted to wax lyrical about his own achievements, and to discuss other people's experiences, rather than actually ask for help.

Thank you, yes; exactly.

[CandraH]

Oh my.

[Gaines]

Get a better story. If you can come up with one they think will be salable to a mass market with a movie or three to follow it won't matter how weak your writing is. It's all about making the bucks. That's where they set their bar.

Keep this in mind; To you it is your work, a book you probably feel impassioned about. To them it's a business. Adopt their mindset and beat them at their own game even if it means you have to drown your newborn and start over with another one. Cruel? Heartless?

They shoot horses don't they!

[Devon]

drown your newborn and start over with another one.

Not if you can hone your newborn, develop it, make it grow into a cruel, bloodthirsty creature that would devour everyone and everything in that ruthless game. Mwahahahaha!

[calligraphy]

LOL

To all these responses.

Have someone read it and ask them to be BRUTALLY honest. If they run screaming from their computer or take longer than a few to get back with you... Scrap it fast.


Yes, find a reader to help you out.