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Monday, October 24, 2011

A Big Black Cat, an Interview, and a Little Bit of Steve

First things first. Agented writer and blogging friend Mindy McGinnis--better known to most of you as bigblackcat97--has started a new query critiquing series on her blog. Basically, you e-mail her your query, and she posts it on her blog and sinks her claws into it gives you some constructive criticism. (In all seriousness, though, Mindy is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, so she dispenses her advice in the kindest possible way.) Other readers share their thoughts with you as well, so you end up with several worthy opinions (which is good, since the truth generally lies somewhere in the middle).

This is especially helpful if you’re looking for feedback before you reach the query stage (and heaven only knows we could all use a little feedback then), so hop over to her blog and give The Saturday Slash a look-see. You do need to be a follower to participate, but I’m sure you’ll want to be one once you check out her site.

Next things next. I (finally) have another installment of “Interview with an Agent” in the pipeline, and better yet, it’s going to be INTERACTIVE. Hannah Bowman, the newest agent at Liza Dawson Associates, will be here this Friday, October 28, to answer any questions you may have. Definitely plan on checking in that day to catch Ms. Bowman’s responses to the usual questions--and a bunch more.

Lastly, I’ve felt a little bad that I always ask you guys to put your queries and first pages on the chopping block but never offer up my own. (Not that I would ever enter one of my own contests, but still.) So in the spirit of not cowering behind the chopping block any longer, I plan to post the current drafts of Steve’s query and first page tomorrow morning, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have a minute, you might check those out as well.

Well, I think that’s it. Anyone else know of any other exciting goings-on around the blogosphere this week?

P.S. Don’t miss the winners Ms. Testerman picked from last week’s round of “An Agent’s Inbox.” Did one of your favorites make the list?
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8 comments:

  1. Myrna FosterOctober 24, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Thanks, Krista! My query needs help, and even reading advice for another person's query can be helpful.

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  2. K. L. HallamOctober 24, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    Super Awesome to have a hitching post query spot, for claw digging. I'm in.
    One is always second guessing--triple guessing oneself.
    I'd better hop on over. Thank you Krista for the last contest and for being there.

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  3. BBCOctober 24, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Thanks for the shout-out, Krista! Sharpening my claws and hatchet for next weekend's victim... er, participant as we speak.

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  4. Write LifeOctober 24, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Mindy's great...but so are you!!

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  5. AnonymousOctober 24, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Wow! Sounds like a great week of learning opportunities! Congratulations to all the October winners!

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  6. Krista Van DolzerOctober 24, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Myrna, if you send Mindy your query, let me know when she posts it so I can check it out!

    Same comment to you, Karen. If you decide to submit your query, let me know when she posts it!

    Yes, Mindy, participant, not victim. We wouldn't want to give anyone the wrong idea... ;)

    Hey, thanks, Linda!

    Yep, momslifeponderings, I'm especially excited to post Ms. Bowman's interview. It's been a while since we did one of these; a lot of my newer followers have probably never seen one of these interactive interviews.

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  7. Kelly BrysonOctober 25, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Thanks for reminding me of Bigblackcat97's secret identity:) I love querytracker people, but sometimes I get a little confused about who is who. That's why I use my real name on there, I guess. I'd never make it in a life of crime, all those aliases!

    I'm looking forward to the interactive interview- already have a question for Ms. Bowman. Thanks Krista!

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  8. Krista Van DolzerOctober 25, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Kelly, bigblackcat97 is a sneaky feline, but I think she likes to be. And I'm looking forward to that interactive interview, too:)

    ReplyDelete