Hello Paula – I’m always happy to hear that people are signing up for critique opportunities. How you proceed depends somewhat on your personality. Are you a planner or a pantser (e.g., you like to fly by the seat of the pants)? Pantsers tend to send in whatever story in whatever condition, figuring any feedback is good, and they’re willing to see where that submission takes them.

However, if you’re more of a planner, then consider the following information.

If you have queried this agent and they passed or if you heard nothing, then try submitting a different manuscript for this critique opportunity. Since you’re very interested in having them represent you, I suggest you send in your best work. Be sure to read up on this agent. Even if you have done this in the past, information changes. See what’s listed for them at the writer’s event to ensure that they are, for example, open to critiquing picture books at this time and which kinds: rhyming, nonfiction, and so forth. From there, determine which of your stories may be a better fit for their tastes.

Keep close track of the deadline to submit your manuscript and follow all of the submissions specifications. Review your author website and your social media accounts, considering what it looks like to an agent.

On the day of your Zoom, check that your connectivity is ready to go, log in early, and have something at hand to track the time (e.g., use the countdown timer on your phone). Have your list of questions at hand. If you’ve received the critiqued manuscript back, that’s great; read their comments and formulate questions accordingly. This is a chance for you and your work to shine.

There are different outcomes for the Zoom:

YES – They love this story and want to connect beyond this Zoom and offer representation. Yay!

MAYBE – If the agent is interested but not yet ready to commit, they may ask for an R&R (revise and resubmit) or ask to read other manuscripts of yours. Get a clear understanding of what they’d like submitted and by when; then ensure you meet that deadline. It’s tempting to send manuscripts right away, but if they’ve given you a window of time, use it to carefully comb through your stories, and maybe even pass them through your critique group. When unsure which ones to send, this is a time to reach out and enlist your writing buddies.

NO – Accept that your critique is just that: a critique. Be thankful for the helpful feedback and insight from an industry professional into your work. You’ve made a connection that, maybe, you can use in the future. Don’t push for anything further.

FUTURE – Keep your notes so that, in the future, if you do cross paths or decide to submit another manuscript to this agent, note that you connected previously at this conference. That will help them remember you. Don’t try to resubmit a revised or additional manuscript without that information because you want to keep building on that connection.

IN CONCLUSION

Good luck with your submission! It takes courage to put our work out there, but it’s always valuable to attend events, get critiques, and make connections. These steps will get you to the next draft and on a path to fulfill your goals.

—Christine

HAVE QUESTIONS?

To ask a question that may be answered in an upcoming Kite Tales, please follow this link and fill in the form. Answers by Christine Van Zandt, children’s book author and owner of Write for Success Editing & Coaching Services.

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