Query Clinic

Some of you know I belong to a private crit circle. We started this group several years ago when I realized a need to critique entire novels instead of chapters. But this group was unique in another way. I invited very special people, writers who not only demonstrated considerable writing talent, but who were exceptional at disseminating and articulating the body of work in front of them. This is not an exaggeration. My CPs are brilliant.

Because we read and critique entire manuscripts, our group remains small. It takes a great deal of work to analyze whole novels. And it’s a responsibility each of us takes seriously.

Recently, after I hosted a Follow contest, someone asked if I would critique queries as well as manuscripts. I liked the idea. But there was one minor drawback. I’m not a big fan of critiquing work in public. So I think I’ve come up with an alternative as a gift for followers of this blog. I decided to create a group similar to my existing crit group.

If you would like to have your query reviewed in a confidential environment, I have set up a group that will review queries only. Email me (or leave a comment with your email addy) and I will send you an invitation to join.

This is an invitation-only group. And I will only accept members for a limited time.

There are only a few things I ask in return.

• Please be a follower of this blog.

• If you are critted, you must return the favor.

• This is a private group, which means anything posted there is confidential.

• Please use your real name (or pseudonym). This way, everyone knows who they’re dealing with.

• Queries MUST be carefully proofread. Submit the way you would to a real agent or publisher.

I do encourage you to forge relationships with other people in the group while you're there. Who knows? You could find a future crit partner for your novels after you’ve read each other’s query.

I should add that I have no personal agenda. Queries come very easily to me, and while I usually vet them through my CPs, I generally trust my gut and that’s worked out well.

If this query workshop is successful, we’ll do it again. If I’m not too busy, we might even open it to synopses later in the year. We’ll see how this one fares and go from there.

So is anyone interested? You can either email me or leave your email in the comments and I will send you an invitation. Please be sure you’re already a follower of this blog because Query Clinic is a private group and a gift to those who follow this blog.

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Greg and I worked our tails off over the weekend dividing pens and finishing up a second chicken enclosure. We're getting ready for the great chicken relocation. With all the sawing and hammering, the chickens were watching the commotion nervously. I don't want to excite them too much because they're laying like crazy. The sooner we move them, the better. I'll try to get some pictures posted on Wednesday.

What did you guys do this weekend?