|
A critique means that someone else carefully reads then comments on your poems or writing. This can be anyone! However, a professional critique can be like hiring your own private tutor or becoming an apprentice to a published poet and experienced poetry editor and instructor.
For a minimal fee, a professional critique from The Poetry Editor includes:
- Multiple readings with serious thought given to each aspect of your work
- One-on-one response with honest but encouraging feedback
- Helpful comments, workable solutions, and practical suggestions
- Consideration of your potential readers and the marketability of your work
- Objective, respectful evaluation of the overall effectiveness
[Note: Devotionals, prose poems, and poetic prayers of 1 to 2 double-spaced pages receive similar treatment to a poem, so the critique fee remains the same.]
Are you ready to take your poems or poetic writings to the next literary level? If so, great! Follow these steps to get your work ready for a critique:
- Type each poem or poetic writing on its own page, centered and double-spaced on plain white paper in a 10 or 12-point font such as Arial or Times Roman. Include a title for each piece in boldface type with your byline (name) below.
- If the critique will be for a poetry book, chapbook, or book of devotional pieces, enclose a cover letter that states your main theme or purpose, the title of your collection, intended readers, and publishing plans. For example, if you plan to self-publish or enter a contest or approach a traditional publisher, say so.
- Place your name, mail and email addresses, and page number in the heading across the top or flush-right on the upper corner of each double-spaced page.
- Tally the critique fee by multiplying the total number of double-spaced pages by $5.00. Since the required minimum is $25.00, send at least five pages.
- For manuscripts of 20 or more double-spaced pages, follow the above steps but multiply the total page count by $3.50 for the critique fee.
- Make your check or money order (or certified check from your bank in another country) payable in U. S. funds only to Mary Sayler.
- Include an SASE - self-addressed stamped envelope with adequate postage for the return of your manuscript. If you have difficulty getting U. S. postage, add $10.00 to the total critique fee to cover the mailing cost. For a book-length project, you might ask your postal server for insurance in excess of the critique fee since The Poetry Editor cannot bear the cost of mishandled mail. Regardless, be sure to keep a print copy, computer file, and backup of your work.
Mail your manuscript, payment in U. S. funds, and SASE to:
Mary Sayler, P. O. Box 62, Lake Como, Florida 32157-0062
Expect a short batch of poems or poetic writings in the mail to a U. S. address in one to two weeks and longer manuscripts in two to three weeks.
If you live in another country, your critique may take longer to arrive, but you still do well with postal mail. Why? You get more feedback! Also, you can see exactly where to correct an error or improve a line when comments are made directly on the page.
Note: If you have a tight publishing schedule or close deadline, contact The Poetry Editor before you mail your poetry book or longer manuscript. As an active poet, writer, and poetry editor, she may be working on a deadline too.
For feedback on the proposal of a book you have yet to write or on a children’s picture book manuscript you have already completed, see the consult page.
Finally, for the final edit of a manuscript The Poetry Editor has previously critiqued or discussed with you, be sure to take your special discount, which makes the usual editing fee half-price! Please note, however: You probably do not need a final edit unless you plan to self-publish since the editor of a traditional publishing company will traditionally do this for you.
|
