Want a great piece of writing advice? As a new writer, surround yourself with more experienced professionals. You’ll grow and learn far more quickly than if you remain in a critique group comprised of writers on your level.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find an experienced critique group. However, paid critiques are one way to gain access to knowledgeable professionals and speed-up your learning curve. You can receive paid critiques at SCBWI conferences and through independent editors, and once in a while critiques go up for auction to benefit good causes. But these critiques, while thorough and worth every penny, can sometimes cost a lot of pennies.
I met award-winning author Brenda Reeves Sturgis at the 2008 Rutgers One-on-One Plus Conference and we had instant chemistry. Easy-going, lovely, and full of fun, Brenda possesses a great personality and a penchant for picture books. Her debut TEN TURKEYS IN THE ROAD releases fall 2011 with Marshall Cavendish, and her poetry appears in the SWEET DREAMS anthology later this year from Blooming Tree Press. And guess what? OK, you’ve guessed it, she has begun a new critique service for picture book writers (and for not that many pennies).
Hey–did you notice–critique service, Reeves Sturgis. That rhymes! Well, kind of. Maybe just a little? Huh?
But believe me, her critiques are far better than my rhymes.
4 comments
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May 4, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Marsha Riti
Thanks Tara for the awesome link! I will definitely use Brenda’s service.
May 4, 2010 at 1:44 pm
From the Studio 1 | KatGirl Studio
[…] New Picture Book Critique Service from Brenda Reeves Sturgis […]
May 13, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Jenni B
I know from first hand experience that Brenda’s critiques are thoughtful, honest, and full of helpful tidbits! she’s critiqued several of my stories and my writing is better for it!!!
October 19, 2011 at 10:01 pm
somya sriram
She critiqued mine as well. She can criticize your story without criticizing you. I will definitely use her service again