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904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 14
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 08:52 pm: | 
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Okay, I've searched all over the internet. Everyone says you should get your manuscript critiqued... but dang, can you get it critique'd without paying an arm and a leg.... maybe just an arm?
Considering my manuscript is around about 83,000, it's really looking crazy expensive to get it critique'd!
Any suggestions. |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 117
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 - 09:00 pm: |
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Greetings,
Can you please contact me via email at aashawarrior@aol.com as I provide this type of service as a consultant?
Aside from that I know that AALBC provides this service also.
Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
Rondall
Moderator
Username: Rondall
Post Number: 147
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 10:54 am: |
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Thumper...
Troy...
Thumper...
It may cost you a couple of fingers, maybe some toes. But you keep your legs and arms. |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1432
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 11:41 am: |
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Thanks Rondall, Afrika.
AALBC.com doesn't critique manuscripts. We review books, but they must be in book form (bound galleys are cool): http://www.aalbc.com/reviews/reviewer_guidlines.htm
Critiquing manuscripts is completely different bsll of wax. It is an indepth, iterative process where the outcome is to improve the manuscript. The review critquies the finished product. |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 119
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 06:32 pm: |
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Greetings,
Yes, I am aware of that Troy. AALBC has reviewed a number of my clients books and appreciate the services that you offer.
While, there are a number of people who also provide similar services as AALBC.
I believe that many people except for reviewers to waive their fees. I too provide similar service as AALBC. I do not critique work. I review them for a fee.
However, there are individuals or literary service providers who do not charge a dime. Well, that is a very rare. For those that are excepting not to provide a fee for services, might want to google search for book reviewers in your genre.
Thanks for your time.
Keep up the great work everyone!
Peace and Blessings,
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 605
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - 09:40 pm: |
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Try Ms. Shon Bacon. She comes highly recommended and has references from several traditionally-published authors. Shon has been published by Strebor (and others) and holds an MFA. I have two manuscripts I plan on having her edit later this year. Here's a link to her blog: http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com/. And check out my interview with her at Blogging in Black: http://blogginginblack.com/?p=757 |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 121
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 07:11 am: |
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Greetings,
For anyone looking for free services, might be interested in viewing the following sites listed below.
Yasmin Coleman of APOOO - http://blackauthors.ning.com/profile/ycoleman and http://www.apooobooks.com/
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group -http://www.rawsistaz.com/
Urban - Reviews - http://urban-reviews.com/
All of the ones listed above have provided their services to many of my clients.
Contact information and information about them is posted on their site(s).
Peace and Blessings,
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 15
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 11:57 am: |
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I wasn't really looking for a FREE service, although free is good :-) I'm just looking for someone who isn't gonna charge an arm and a leg, or 6 fingers instead of 3, lol. I've seen costs of 3 cent a word on up... and when your manuscript is 84,000 words, that can add up.
Thanks for the websites... I'll check them out. |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 123
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 12:13 pm: |
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Greetings,
Well, it might help if you inquire about the fees that he or she may charge. Not everyone provides free services! Ask and you will know!
You are most welcome for all of the sites and just doing what I do!
Additionally do not solicit for requests unless you have completed your book and it has been published, and therefore ready to distribute to various reviewers.
Never submit pdf files of your book to anyone!
Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
Rondall
Moderator
Username: Rondall
Post Number: 152
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 12:20 pm: |
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Greetings,
I just like the way that sounds. It sounds so big...
Greetings |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12450
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 12:36 pm: |
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Why should an author never submit pdf files of their book to anyone????? |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 124
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 12:41 pm: |
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Greetings Cynique,
Because they can get bootlegged and a publisher or someone brand new to the publishing industry can sell them and make money off of your work without you even knowing!
One of my clients shared with me that they discovered some of their clients worked getting bottlegged and I told them that is why I stopped requesting for pdf files and never will accept them. I never share my pdf files that I have received without anyone. However, these days, authors or writers have to be very careful of how they send there work out for publication or reviews.
Some might be willing to risks, however, I do not think you will want to take this risk.
Thanks for asking.
Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 125
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 12:57 pm: |
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Greetings,
FYI. Check out this link http://fourstarpublishing.com/ and if you see your book there, you should take legal actions! This is the company that my client inquired or reported to me about giving me the heads up.
Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12451
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 01:02 pm: |
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But couldn't you sue the bootleggers if you have a duplicate copy of your manuscript saved on a CD or a disk??? |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 126
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 01:07 pm: |
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Greetings Cynique,
Yes, that is what I mean by saying legal actions. Other safe actions are for us reviewers to no longer accept pdf files.
It is better to play it safe then to take risks! Just my two cents.
Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 16
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 02:13 pm: |
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Greetings,
Well, it might help if you inquire about the fees that he or she may charge. Not everyone provides free services! Ask and you will know!
-------------------------------------------------
That's the whole point of this inquiry... asking if anyone knows of reasonably priced critique'ers? The ones that I have already asked what their fees are, were a little pricey. |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 17
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 02:17 pm: |
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Oh, and also... I'm looking for a manuscript critique, not a book review as it's still a manuscript. Sorry for the confusion in the subject line. |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 127
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 02:32 pm: |
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Greetings,
Thanks for clearing that up. Then, the subject should be changed if you can change it, that would great as it does create confusion.
If it is still in the first phase, then contact the prospective people when you have completed your debut book. This also applies to anyone else.
Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 18
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 02:42 pm: |
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My manuscript is complete. At this point, I'm searching for an Agent and also contemplating self publishing (not sure yet). However, in reading the different websites, the consensus is I should have it critique'd... which is what I'm trying to do. I was told "book reviewers" also critique. The only people who have read my manuscript are family and friends, who of course think it's great. I need an unbaised opinion.
Not sure if I can change the heading... I'll try.
Thanks for the link above for blackauthors.. I was able to put a chapter of my book on there to be critiqued. |
Afrika
Veteran Poster
Username: Afrika
Post Number: 128
Registered: 06-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 02:45 pm: |
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Greetings,
You're welcome for the link. I am a member of Black Authors Showcase and other ning sites.
Is your book is a hardbook or paperback format and ready for distribution? If the answer is yes, then by all means contact the prospective reviewers. If the answer is no, then I suggest you wait.
Peace and Blessings,
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney |
Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 629
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 01:29 am: |
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Okay, I'm taking a well-deserved break from looking over my first draft.
Here are links four other independent editors I've communicated with but have not worked with in regards to editing my work. The first two are African-American women:
http://www.tiaross.com/about.html
http://www.ucanmarkmyword.com/
http://www.mlevigne.com/
http://www.patgallant.com/
Shon Bacon is also African-American. I mentioned her in an earlier response.
My wife is currently working with Michelle Levigne (3rd link above) here in Cleveland on a non-fiction project. She praises her rates and professionalism all the time.
Don't post your chapters online for critique. The general public is not very good at distinguishing drafts from the final copy. You won't get much constructive criticism. Plus you don't want people stealing your ideas.
Before you pay anyone to critique your manuscript, ask for credentials. Go to the library and borrow some of the books they've edited. Browse their own websites for editing errors. Don't be ashamed to price shop either. |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 28
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 12:55 pm: |
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Do you think it's better to use a African American editor for African American fiction? I received a rejection from someone who said I may want to think about making my book more marketable to every audience. This was from a white agent. My thought was she totally didn't "get it". I had only made a reference to a white general manager being nervous about black people in his hotel. I didn't think that was too far out there. I feel like a black editor would get it... not a racist statement, but just reality, especially in the story line.
What do you think? |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2370
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 01:57 pm: |
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I think that's just one person's opinion and you should not rule out all caucasians based on one person's opinion.
Also keep in mind that rewrites are part of this business and if you're not willing to rewrite, you'll have a tough time making it as a writer.
Are you sure that the agent was only thinking about the one sentence about the white general manager when he/she told you that you should make your work more marketable to every audience?
Rejection is always a hard pill to swallow, but the best advice I ever recieved was Don't give up! again. It is only one person's opinion. |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 29
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 03:32 pm: |
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Well, she said she liked the 1st 3 chapters but said I may want to consider making it marketable to all audiences. The only thing in those first 3 chapters was the reference to "white people not understanding the black audience and not every black person would shoot up their hotel". So, I figured that's why she said that.
I totally expect changes and welcome them. My biggest problem is finding someone to critique my manuscript without charging. I believe I read somewhere that you shouldn't pay people... sigh! |
A_womon
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 2371
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 - 03:37 pm: |
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Yes, you shouldn't pay people who you want to represent you or to publish your book, but you can expect to pay someone to critique your book, unless like Emanuel suggested you go to a college or university and see if an instructor from a creative writing class would do it for you to help you out or at least at a price you could both agree upon.
I'll keep my ears open and if I should hear of anyone who'd be willing to help you out, I'll let you know... Hey, if you still need one at the end of the month, I might be willing to work with you.
Good Luck! |
Carey
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 1008
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2008 - 12:45 am: |
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Ohhhhhh A_womon, now you runnin' a house huh. Hey, I got a book, naked baby pictures and everythang, could you help me too! Man, I done hit the big time. Just like Stevie Wonder said, NY City, just what I expected.
But you know A_womon, my lips are sealed. We can do the thang anywhere. We wouldn't want the corner all up inour business.....would we.
Hey, About last night, why did you bring....... |
904diva
Regular Poster
Username: 904diva
Post Number: 30
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2008 - 11:06 am: |
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LOL!!!!!!! |
Emanuel
Veteran Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 642
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 24, 2008 - 09:02 am: |
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904Diva,
Trust me, if the literary agent took the time to tell you how to improve the manuscript, you have something worth selling. The agents who don't like your work or don't read it at all will send form rejection letters.
The change the agent suggested might have to do with the majority of your characters being African American or using slang and not the line about the hotel manager. I never read your manuscript, just a hunch.
Did you research the literary agent to see what other works she represented? Any African American authors? Any similar novels from non African Americans? It's usually a good way to determine if the agent is right for you, regardless of the agent's race.
Truth is, there aren't a lot of reputable African American literary agents out there. You may just end up with a white one, and there is nothing wrong with that. What's important is that the literary agent know of other works in your genre that sell well, and you can hope he or she has represented some.
Like A_womon said, you should be willing to rewrite. It doesn't mean you have to completely whitewash your manuscript though. I think you should continue submitting to other literary agents who've represented similar works. If that fails after the timeframe you've allowed yourself to be represented, you might want to consider submitting directly to publishers or self publishing as a last resort. Of course, you can always take the literary agent's advice and then resubmit to her.
Regarding the free critique, that is a tough one. You can ask a traditionally published author to mentor you. You can join ANY fiction writers group regardless of race. A college professor might help you. A writers group can help somewhat but to get over 80,000 words critiqued when you're all taking turns helping each other but it would probably take years. Realistically though, I think you'll have to spend a little money. |
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