#CritsfromRae is BACK for PitchWars!

By popular demand, I’m bringing Crits from Rae back and giving away THREE “Query + 1st 250” critiques to anyone entering Pitch Wars. Interested? Then MAKE SURE you read how it works and my disclaimers. See you there!

How It Works

1- You don’t have to follow my blog or me on Twitter. (Would I like it? Yes. Will I check? No.) This is open to anyone with a completed manuscript who wants to enter Pitch Wars, regardless of category or genre. NOTE: Entering the contest will NOT make me more or less likely to pick you as a mentee.

2- Post why you deserve a Pitch Wars critique on the hashtag #CritsfromRae between noon EST and midnight EST every day from July 30th to August 1st. That means you have THREE chances to win!

3- I will pick three people to receive a free Query + 1st 250 words critique from me. (If it sounds super interesting — and if I have time — I will throw in a first chapter critique, too!)

4- The winner(s) will be posted here on the blog.

5- I will send the winner(s) instructions on what to do next. ALL critiques will be completed before Pitch Wars starts. Cross my heart.

My Disclaimers

(READ THESE BEFORE YOU ENTER!)

1- I’m biased. I’m a human being. If I write something on your pitch/ms/submission, it is an observation/opinion from my perspective. It is not some universal truth that must be obeyed. Take my suggestions — and ANY suggestions you get — with a grain of salt. I do not know you. I do not know your story. I am a fresh set of eyes. (Those eyes just happen to have taken a few editing and writing classes. Also, I work for 1) an author and 2) four writing professors.)

2- I am not conspiring with anyone to steer you wrong, but I am not a genie that can instantly get you an agent. Manage your expectations, please.

3- I will not share your critique with anyone.

4- I am brutally honest. I am also not a monster — unless it is before 11 am. Seriously, I am not out to hurt anyone’s feelings, but I am not going to beat around the bush. I’ve had to take my share of criticism, and I will have to take much more in the future. We all will. We deal with it. We go on. Please don’t fly into a rage and flame me or anyone I care about. (This goes for ANY criticism you receive from ANYONE. Even if you hate the advice, you say “thank you for your time” and move on.)

5- Querying is serious business, yes, but don’t let it drive you to do anything you will regret.