Writing workshops
I've been signed up at two online writing groups for a while now. They both have pros and cons and I think between the two of them, I might get a good round of critiques for my novel.
+ SFF Online Writing Workshop for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror - I like this place the most in terms of usability and web design. However, it loses points for having limited submissions (only 3 slots available up to 7500 words; not good for a novel) and for requiring a paid membership. The membership is pretty cheap and I've been told that unlimited submissions are being considered, but there it is. It does have a free trial membership, though, and it's been worth my time so far.
+ Critters - This is one of the most famous online writing workshops. I heard about this one even before I decided to try to become published. It has a large user base and best of all is free to use. Downsides: lots of ads (consequence of being free), lots of rules and formatting requirements, and you don't get your item up in the queue for about 3 weeks after joining, unlike the SFF Workshop where you can post immediately. My novel isn't due to come up until next week I think.
The funny thing about these workshops though is that it's almost been an ego boost. Most of the people on these two sites are serious about writing and pursuing publication. I was intimidated at first, but having been there for a few weeks now, I feel pretty confident about the quality of my own writing. I'm wondering if I should start to send out a test query to a few agents or wait until I get to the end of my round of feedback. Probably. It's probably better to send an MS that's as polished as possible.
+ SFF Online Writing Workshop for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror - I like this place the most in terms of usability and web design. However, it loses points for having limited submissions (only 3 slots available up to 7500 words; not good for a novel) and for requiring a paid membership. The membership is pretty cheap and I've been told that unlimited submissions are being considered, but there it is. It does have a free trial membership, though, and it's been worth my time so far.
+ Critters - This is one of the most famous online writing workshops. I heard about this one even before I decided to try to become published. It has a large user base and best of all is free to use. Downsides: lots of ads (consequence of being free), lots of rules and formatting requirements, and you don't get your item up in the queue for about 3 weeks after joining, unlike the SFF Workshop where you can post immediately. My novel isn't due to come up until next week I think.
The funny thing about these workshops though is that it's almost been an ego boost. Most of the people on these two sites are serious about writing and pursuing publication. I was intimidated at first, but having been there for a few weeks now, I feel pretty confident about the quality of my own writing. I'm wondering if I should start to send out a test query to a few agents or wait until I get to the end of my round of feedback. Probably. It's probably better to send an MS that's as polished as possible.