The Not An Option Option

Wow! The first day of summer is just around the corner. I've been looking over sub-options, since most of the university presses take the summer off.

I sent a sub to a contest with an entry fee of $50. Steep, huh? Well, I'm suppposed to get back two (2) professional critiques / editorials in exchange for my hard earned bucks. Oh, I'm going to let you know whether it was worth it.

In the meantime, I spoke to a writer friend who directed me to http://www.writeyes.com/. This website offers handwritten notes on my story copy and a type written critique on structure, character, and dialog. The price of $3 / page seems reasonable ($30 minimum). Of course, I'll let you know how that works out, too.

Now, back to the submission options. You know about the contests, lit journals, magazines, etc. But, the one option that isn't a real option is when to send. The answer: only when you can't improve your story further.

Submitting top quality work is Rule #1. You need this critique / editing feedback. It's way difficult to know where your writing is missing the mark unless a professional looks at your story.

So, try it. And we'll swap experiences.