YEEHAA! I received results from the CYA Conference competition on my two picture books. With hands shaking, I clicked open the emails, praying CYA’s feedback would be constructive, uplifting, … a positive blueprint on AMPING my stories to the HIGHEST publishing standard.
It WAS … and more!
Four months ago, I submitted my two stories in the Published Authors competition. I continued to work on my manuscripts with CRIT buddies from my face-to-face writing group Write Links and my Beta Readers too, amping up the story arc and characterization.
Constructive assessment is crucial to my growth as a writer, preparing my manuscripts for publishing.
How to AMP up your Writing
1. Keep believing you’ll get published … and you will. Search for writing competitions that offer feedback.
2. Join a writing group who critiques with positive feedback on what works, what could work better and suggestions.
3. Find a Beta Reader to swap same genre manuscripts with. Send a brief of what you’d like your Beta reader to look for or check whilst reading and critiquing. SEE #2
4. Submit your manuscript to CYA (Children’s and YA) Writers Conference who offer writing feedback on five levels: spelling and grammar, story, characterization, writing technique, reader enjoyability and The X Factor.
5. Contact Queensland Writers Centre for “The Writers Surgery”, a one-on-one 90 minute consultancy with a professional mentor. Send a 20 page sample of your work to receive guidance.
6. Submit your manuscript to a Professional editor who offers in-depth assessments. I recommend Sally Odgers of Affordable Manuscript Assessments who will assess your manuscript’s structure and writing techniques.
7. Take time to develop your manuscript to the highest standard possible using respected assessment and feedback techniques.
I NEED constructive feedback and assessment. It’s the ONLY way my stories will reach their full potential and be the very best they can be.
I’m constantly reaching for higher goals, for a wider outreach for my resilience books for children and adults.
CYA Conference LOGO
CYA Judges feedback on my PICTURE books
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember
“Lovely story with a nice message … Good concept … Made me cry… A need out there for this type of book – Good luck – Hope to see it on the shelf soon.”
Ella Outsmarts the Bully
“Nicely done … Consider looking at the ending. Needs a twist or a punch to it.”
I rewrote Ella Outsmarts the Bully, adding that twist and punch, and a NEW sub-theme. I changed the main character’s name to Zena and titled it, Zena Outsmarts the Bully.
**NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH NEWSFLASH**
YES! A mainstream publisher requested to read Zena Outsmarts the Bully! She’s presently considering it for publication. Please cross your fingers that she’ll publish Zena. Cross your eyes and your toes too!
Thanks to all my Beta Readers and Crit buddies for helping me get Zena this far. Hugs xx
What feedback and assessments have improved your Writing?
How did your CYA feedback go?
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