Quad-Cities Christian Writers' Conference

Paid Manuscript Critique Invitation

If you are looking for objective and detailed feedback for your writing, if you are open to hearing both the strengths and the weaknesses of your piece, if you seriously want to know how you can improve as a writer, and if you're curious to know if your piece is close to that glorious goal of "publishable," consider requesting a paid manuscript critique (for an additional $30 above the conference fee).

Faculty members with experience in your particular category of writing will critique a sample of your work and make comments on a one page evaluation form with responses like those mentioned in the first paragraph. At the conference, you will be given a 25-minute one-on-one appointment with that faculty member during which time your reviewer will discuss your project, return your piece to you with comments and the evaluation form if it wasn't available when you arrive at the conference, and answer any questions you might have about improving as a writer.

The faculty members are taking time from their own workload and projects to invest in helping you grow in your craft. Submitting for a paid critique is another important step in moving forward as a writer. Please prepare yourself to hear both positive and "needs improvement" comments, and embrace both.

Just like publishers out there in publishing land, these reviewers will not know that you have a newborn at home and have to write with one hand while changing diapers with the other. They won't understand that you recently had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and have to type with your nose. They won't know that you're a "free spirit" who isn't all that fond of grammar rules. They will evaluate your work on the strength of the writing rather than on how wonderful you are. That's the joy…and the pain…of an objective opinion about your work. The professionals who will critique your piece deeply care about helping you succeed as a writer. God planted that drive within their hearts.

This is an exceptional opportunity for you to have a more in-depth discussion about your writing. All conferees, including you, will be offered a complimentary fifteen-minute one-on-one with a faculty member of their choice if there are timeslots available during the conference. But if you're seeking to propel your writing forward with specific, more detailed advice from a professional reviewer, please consider taking advantage of the offer to secure a paid critique.

One submission per conferee, and only registered attendees are eligible, please, as our appointment schedule is limited. See the submission sheet for page limits (no more than 10 pages in most cases). Electronic submissions only, as a WORD document, 12 point font, Times New Roman, one inch margins, double spaced. The submission sheet must accompany your manuscript either as a separate file or pasted as the first page or last page of your manuscript file (does not affect page limit). Include your name and a page number in the header of each page. Please include your last name and first initial when naming your manuscript and all submitted documents. Examples: mrayburn-manuscript.doc, mrayburn-submissionsheet.doc. Manuscripts with critique comments will be printed by the conference committee and returned to you at the conference.

If you are unable to afford the cost of a paid critique or unable to find a way to submit your work via email, don't lose heart. You will receive good, useful comments about your work during your complimentary one-on-one with a faculty member at the conference. Bring a sample of your work and look for the appointment sign-up sheet.