Conferences: The Paid Critique

So you’re thinking about attending a writers conference, or perhaps you’ve already registered for one. Even if you’re a pro at this, a paid critique still may benefit you. You’ve got a new story, and every story is different.

Here’s why:

One-on-one attention from an industry professional.

 

For a small investment, you get to sit down with an agent, an editor, a seasoned author. Not only are you getting a fresh set of eyes on your work, you’re also getting their experience and expertise. And this is not a pitch, so there’s not quite as much at stake. It’s a lesson, a mentoring session.

Be a learner.

You thought I was going to say more than that, eh? Not so much. That gem speaks for itself. With the fresh set of eyes comes a fresh perspective. Be a learner.

Let’s look now at the different industry professionals who might be willing to meet with you.

Paid Critique: Agents

If you’re on the Great Agent Hunt, this is ideal. You’ll get to not only see what the agent thinks of your work but also get feedback. When you query them, most agents don’t take the time to offer tips or insight unless they genuinely feel that, with some revisions, your work would be a good fit for representation. So this is a rare treasure! Choose the agents you meet with carefully, though. Don’t waste an agent’s time (or yours!) if you write sci-fi and all their other clients are historical fiction. Do your research beforehand and pay for a critique from your dream agent.

To me, one of the best reasons to meet with an agent at a conference is to get a feel for their personality. In the agent-author relationship, it’s most important to find someone you could work with well. You may want a champion, a cheerleader, a career advisor. You may need a quiet professional relationship.

I remember at one of my first writers conferences, I met with an agent who�����������on paper—looked ideal for me. It turned out my work wasn’t a good fit for her, and I actually felt relieved. I could see, even before we sat down for the appointment, that our personalities wouldn’t gel. The meeting only confirmed it. We both handled ourselves professionally, and I can honestly say she’s a well-respected agent with impeccable taste. I just wouldn’t have enjoyed working with her. That’s important to me. Now? I count my agent a dear friend. (And she’s better than Sidney Bristow.)

Paid Critique: Editors

Again, do your research early and choose your appointments wisely. Get feedback from editors you hope will love your book. Listen to what they say about your writing. Ask questions about your story. But most of all, use the opportunity to ask them what they’re looking for. What makes a good story in their opinion? If they could give you any piece of advice, what would it be? They���re meeting with you because they want to be an encourager and a sharpener to you. If they didn’t want that, they wouldn’t offer paid critiques.

(Many don���t. They may still play this role in an appointment, though. If you’d like to see what editors want from their regular appointment slots at a conference, check out this excellent post by Karen Ball.)

Paid Critique: Authors

Meeting with authors who write in your genre is always a good idea. Get feedback—after all, they’re published. They know what works. Listen to their pointers on your writing with an open mind. Take notes. Think about what they’ve said that will work for you. They won’t try to change your voice, but you can gain valuable insight into both the industry and the writing process.

If you’re an indie author, this opportunity is golden. So very much goes into writing and launching and marketing a book well, and every author has their own story. Be brave and ask the hard questions. You may find the conversation invigorating and leave feeling better equipped for the challenge!

Wrapping up

Make the most of these opportunities. Many connections formed during these appointments can lead to valuable relationships. The publishing industry is always shifting and changing, and there’s always something to learn.

Have you ever had a paid critique? Tell me how it went.