Lessons from the Critique Carousel

 

Having had the opportunity to be part of last year’s Author/Agent Critique Carousel gave us a birds-eye view of what to expect when dealing with agents and critiques.

Logo by Cathy Gendron

First of all, we can’t emphasize enough what a phenomenal opportunity this is for creators to get a one-on-one critique with an agent. It’s why many of us attend in-person conferences. We’ve all heard stories of creators who show up to a conference, manuscript in hand, only to be forced to resort to ridiculous antics like following an agent into the restroom to discretely slip their manuscript under the door while the agent is indisposed. To be clear, neither of us has resorted to that type of behavior and we do not condone it. Signing up for the Critique Carousel is a much more civilized approach to contacting an agent and is less likely to get you kicked out of SCBWI or arrested.

One of the most important bits of advice we can give creators is to make sure you research, research, and then do a little more research when shelling out cold hard cash for an agent critique. Check the agent’s website, their Manuscript Wish List online, and wander over to the Literary Rambles website run by Michigan’s own Natalie Aguirre, who helped us create last year’s agent list. Make sure the agent you choose represents the type of story you want critiqued. There is nothing worse than someone choosing an agent who has zero interest in what the submitter is writing. Yes, they may be great at critiquing whatever you put in front of them, but agents really want to acquire creators that line up with their wish lists. Give yourself the best chance of not only receiving a phenomenal critique, but also connecting with the right agent interested in your work.

In fact, that’s exactly what Kristin Bartley Lenz did after parting ways with her previous agent. Yes, even experienced published authors struggle finding just the right fit. Kristin only entered last year’s Critique Carousel after researching the agents on our star-studded list. According to Kristin, Sera Rivers from Martin Literary Management’s wishlist contained essentially a description of Kristin’s novel. Having already revised the story many times, Kristin sent very polished pages, written in an unusual and experimental style with multiple perspectives.

Sera began her critique by saying, “These beginning pages blew me away! I read through them twice, and I honestly do not have much criticism.” She ended her critique with, “I would LOVE to read this!”

Another agent may not have been quite so into Kristin’s experimental style. It appears Sera and Kristin prove that our match-making Critique Carousel works when you’ve done your research!

There’s one more bit of advice Kristin took to heart from Sera, and it can benefit everyone seeking representation. After you’ve polished your work, flesh out your query letter and include what inspired you to write this book. Are there personal connections? Is there research you’ve done on the topic or the theme? Is your llama book based on the summer you spent on a farm in an obscure part of the world befriending a pack of llamas? Let the agent know!

Connections do happen when you put yourself out there. But for most of us, getting our work in the hands of an agent is mostly about having an actual publishing professional provide their opinion of the story you want to submit and hopefully give you what you need to make that piece stronger and marketable. Once you’ve made the changes suggested, if they ring true to your vision, send the agent your revised version along with an appropriately written cover letter. Being able to submit is one of the perks of being part of this event.

Let’s also keep in mind, agents are human. We know this is a shocker, but they have their own opinions, likes and dislikes. It’s not uncommon for two agents to have opposing opinions. During our time with SCBWI, we’ve both witnessed agents giving advice that have shut people down. DO NOT TAKE THEM TO HEART. Listen to what they have to say. If the comments ring true, then embrace them and apply them to your work-in-progress. If they don’t, try to figure out a way to use their comments to strengthen your work anyway. During last year’s events one of us was told their submitted piece read like a movie script rather than a middle-grade novel. One way to handle this is to throw a temper tantrum. This may or may not have happened. Who’s to say? A far healthier way to look at that comment is to consider your writing style might be a better fit for a graphic novel rather than a traditional book format.

If the agent you researched comes back with ways to improve your already “perfect” manuscript, consider what they have to say. They are deeply involved in the industry so their opinion—we emphasize opinion—should carry a little more weight than a family member who thinks your manuscript is the best thing ever!

Other than connecting with your dream agent, receiving at least one new thing that can be applied to your manuscript from a critique is considered a success. See if you can find that one thing that aligns with your vision and use it to strengthen your manuscript. On the flip side, if you’ve heard the same advice from more than one source, it might be worth adjusting your vision based on those comments. Sometimes the thing we fight against most is the one craft element that might make all the difference.

Good luck to those taking a spin on this year’s Critique Carousel!

 Respectfully,

 Your Previous Critique Carousel Coordinators, 

Anita Fitch Pazner, MFA and David Stricklen, IMHO

Anita Fitch Pazner is the author of the recently released Topsy-Turvy Bus that takes kids on a journey discovering alternative energy sources and organic gardening, along with ways to help repair the world one fresh new idea at a time. Anita received her master's degree in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Volunteering for SCBWI has been one of the many ways she stays connected to her writing community and friends across the country. 

 

In a former life, David Sticklen was the Grand Rapids airport police chief with 30 years experience in law enforcement. After retiring, David went all in on his creative side. He has written a series of middle grade fantasy adventure books: Beneath and Beyond (a Midwest Book Review Bookwatch Selection), Through the Eyes of the Beast and TheHeart of the Swarm. His newest release is a contemporary middle grade fiction entitled Ripley Robinson and the Worm Charmer, which is reviewer recommended by Kirkus Review, featured in their October 2019 magazine and listed as one of the 35 great middle grade books worth discovering. His books and school visits are always filled with magic and creativity.

David’s reverse perspective painting was an ArtPrize (world’s largest attended art competition) 3D 2018 popular vote finalist & a Colors of Community 3D & 2D (ArtPrize category) first place winner. His 2021 reverse perspective painting won 1^st prize mixed media in the Colors of Community competition.

Dave has volunteered in many roles with the SCBWI for nine years, assisting with SCBWI conferences as a chair or go-to-guy. He is the former Michigan Shop Talk Liaison and is the current Michigan Indie Coordinator and Grand Rapids Shop Talk Co-coordinator.