Critique Clearinghouse
"It's a terrific service to members.
I only hope to help someone in turn someday."
- Connie Gibbs, GVC member
and Critique Clearinghouse customer
The Critique Clearinghouse offers GVC members
an opportunity to submit work to a published
author for objective feedback. The service
is free and anonymous on both sides.
FAQ's
Q: Who uses the service?
A: Any member in good standing with GVC.
Most often we see new members who haven't
made contacts or formed a critique group
of their own. Sometimes our more advanced
writers have worked through their critique
group's suggestions and would like a fresh
view of their project before they submit
to an editor.
Q: How much can I submit?
A: As much as you like, from query letter
to complete manuscript. Keep in mind, however,
that our published authors are working writers.
Finding one available to read a full manuscript
may mean a long wait. On the other hand,
if you submit opening chapters and the author
sees potential, she may offer to read the
rest.
Q: How often can I submit?
A: We have a limited number of published
authors so, as a rule of thumb, one submission
annually. However, if you previously submitted
a partial and now have something short,
like a query letter, we'll try to accommodate.
Q: Who looks at my work?
A: We try to match your work with a published
author writing in your market, i.e. historical,
sweet, sexy, etc.
Q: What kind of feedback can I expect?
A: You specify your needs when you submit,
from marketing advice to a line edit. Keep
in mind our published authors are volunteers.
If you are looking for a detailed critique
including grammar and style, you ought to
keep your submission to something short
such as a query letter or 2-3 page synopsis.
Generally you can expect to receive tips
on strengthening basic storytelling elements
such as plot, character, sexual tension,
etc.
Q: What if I don't agree with the opinion
I'm given?
A: Our published authors base their suggestions
on their own experience. They are not grading
your work or guaranteeing publication. Part
of becoming a writer is learning to separate
yourself from your work and from other people's
opinions of your work. You must decide what
feels right and disregard the rest.
Q: How long does it take?
A: The search begins as soon as you contact
the coordinator. After that, it depends
on the author's time table and the length
of the submission.
Q: Why anonymous?
A: Submitting your work for the first time
is a brave act. Sometimes it is easier to
do it without your name attached. You and/or
the published author may choose to contact
each other directly but should either of
you wish to maintain your privacy, the system
is set up to do that.
Q: Is it really free?
A: Unless postage is necessary, it is absolutely
free.
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