How can I get critique on a novel I’m writing?
I’m currently writing a novel, but have grown too close to my work, which makes me unsure about the quality of my actual writing. I’ve asked family members to critique the first page or so to see if I’m on the right track, but I’m not sure if they’re answering honestly or if they’re sparing me.
I’m too embarrassed to ask friends, professors, etc, and I’m a little nervous about actually posting it anywhere online (what with it being easy to steal and all).
Does anybody have any ideas?
- milz034
Tags: Critique, Family Members, Novel Writing, Professors, Writing A Novel
October 17th, 2008 at 11:18 am
try quizilla.com…… you could post your work on there and see what other people think.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:50 am
The best person to ask would be an English professor. They’ll be honest and critical. If you’re nervous, you can’t do anything, really- swallow your fears for the good of your work.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
take a few days away from it, then look back and read it over.
or i’d say asking a professor can help. they would be honest, and can help. it might be embarassing at first, but oh well! if it helps, it doesnt really matter.
hope this helps you!
October 25th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Get rid of your nerves… it’s the only way you’ll ever actually succeed. There will be harsh critics, but that’s life. Ask a friend or two. The ones you can trust.
October 26th, 2008 at 12:52 am
um, well your either going to get over the embarrassment of asking a family member, friend or teacher or ask people online.
…or you could stop random people on the street and ask for their opinion :0
October 28th, 2008 at 12:50 am
I would recommend talking to a professor. They are probably the most knowledgeable source you have access to. As a writer myself, I know what you mean about feeling embarrassed about asking for that kind of help. But think about it this way: If you aren’t comfortable asking a professor to read it, how do you expect to feel comfortable asking a publisher or editor to review your work?
Just go for it! Best of luck!
October 31st, 2008 at 10:27 am
Suggest you get over being “embarrassed” and ask neutral friends, professors and “etc.” –because you’re right not to post it online.
Sometimes agents and/or editors and/or publishers will check for a story or book online, because that means others can read it for free, and your former, agreed-upon copyright can’t be sold to a publisher.
Try reading (over and over, as I have) the first section of The Writer’s Market regarding anything online and any questions you may have about future publication.
November 1st, 2008 at 11:56 am
You can go to fictionpress.com and go to the “beta readers” section (a button is located at the top of the page on the toolbar) and choose whether you are writing fiction or poetry in the “registered only for a specific category:” section. From there, narrow your search until you find a beta reader you feel will do a good job.
Assuming you are writing a fictional novel. Otherwise, I would try googling “beta-readers” or something.
However, if you aren’t comfortable posting your work online, I would suggest going to an english teacher and asking them to read it and critique it for you.
November 1st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Well the best choice would be to show it to a professor, but if you’re too embarrassed to do so then I would say use fictionpress.com.
I can understand the fear of someone stealing your story but it’s a chance you have to take. I had someone send me an e-mail accusing me of stealing one of their friends stories (completely false I have the documents to prove it) I threatned the person with legal action, she admited she lied and backed off.
So if someone does try to steal your story just threaten them with legal action it usually works! Remeber kids plagerism is illegal!