Welcome to IWSG Day. The goal of this blog hop is to share
and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of
appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer
assistance and guidance. It’s a haven for insecure writers of all
kinds. IWSG is the brainchild of our fearless ninja leader Alex Cavanaugh. Co-hosts for
the June posting of the IWSG are Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, Olga Godim and ME!
This month’s optional question: In this constantly evolving
industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider
offering to members?
I’m being a smart-aleck here, but personally, I’d go for a
rejection therapy group! While I’m pretty good at taking no for an answer, it’s
ugly when you finally talk yourself into querying again, send out four queries, get one immediate "no," wait for a while, and then receive two rejections on the same day. Yes, I can do the math. When I sent the fourth one, the instructions said there would be an automatic confirmation receipt, but one never appeared in my inbox (or my "trash," and yes I looked), so who knows if it ever made it? How about a power of positive thinking
group, too, in which we repeat mantra’s like, at least three out of four responded,
and aren’t I glad those queries were for an older project (as I gear up to start querying my newest
one)?
I know the drill. Two rejections means it’s time to
send out two more. Ugh.
All kidding aside, I peruse the IWSG site to find
information on agents, publishing, and querying. I’ve taken part in IWSG
Twitter pitches, and weekly posts by various members often provide helpful tidbits.
I do wonder if IWSG might offer a means through which like-writers
can identify each other in order to develop small, interactive groups
for reading and critiquing ongoing work. Back in the dark ages, I became a member of an online writing group that I think was formed
through IWSG, but it faded into oblivion. Of course, anyone seeking to create or join a group could always shout out in a monthly post “Hey, I’m looking for X number of writers
for regular reading and critiquing of XYZ genre,” but perhaps there’s a way to
come up with something more curated?
In a similar vein, writers are often looking for beta
readers. I’ve found some of mine through IWSG in the past, but they've been people with whom I’ve already developed “blogging” relationships. Again, individual posts by IWSG members expressing
the need for beta readers would probably work, but perhaps a list of members willing
to read, their qualifications and genre would be helpful?
Regardless, I want to call out Alex and all the
administrators to express my thanks for continuing to pursue ways through which
IWSG may help writers grow.
34 comments:
Reading groups is a good idea.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
A way to connect with beta readers is a good idea. Most of the people I know aren't epic fantasy readers.
Thanks for co-hosting!
Great ideas here. At least with rejections, you know you're not alone!
Wonderful ideas. I can also do with a rejection therapy group 😀
-Sonia
Thanks for co-hosting today! I like the idea of a more formal place to find beta readers or critique partners. I'd also like to see a listing of reliable virtual book tour providers or some other marketing tools.
Thanks for the ideas. They're great. And don't be down too long about those rejections. That just means you're in a very interesting group who understand exactly how you feel.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/welcoming-june
Thanks for co-hosting, Liza. I've found some wonderful critiquers via IWSG as well as new favorite reads and thankful, enthusiastic fans. I'm not one for opening my work to those I don't know. Even after 80 titles and decades of experience, my ego is still delicate. I critique with a diverse group of writers on every level that I've known for decades but we've lost touch during the pandemic. Time to get the band back together again.
Thanks for co-hosting this month. Good luck with the querying. Don't give up. I hope you'll consider entering some of my query critique giveaway contests. Most of the agents I interview also represent adult fiction writers.
Thanks for co-hosting, Liza. I'm with it on querying. What a way to build confidence with all those rejections. Of course, if you ever want to wallpaper your ensuite...
Thanks for go-hosting, Liza! You shared some great ideas, especially the beta readers. All the best to you!
I do love the idea of a small group setting to connect. I'm never able to join the in-person groups (or even the virtual ones) that have an exact start and end time for multiple reasons. Something like MarcoPolo or Discord would be something I could participate in likely as it's more come in when you can and read/watch at your own time.
A rejection therapy group sounds like a good idea. I trust you are learning how to release the pain and move forward.
This is important for our creativity and mental health.
Thanks for co-hosting our June IWSG blog hop.
https://la-vita.us/insecure-writers-support-group/
Ugh on the rejections! I guess maybe one way of looking at the two rejections on the same day would be that freed up another day for good stuff to come. (Hey, just trying that positive mindset thing! :))
I don't know how trad. authors do it. Good for you for sticking with the querying.
I agree about facilitating critique groups / partners and beta readers. That would be a big help to a lot of writers.
Really excellent suggestions. So many of us use Zoom regularly, there are ways to meet though we are miles apart.
Thanks for co-hosting this month!
My answer to IWSG's question of the month is similar to yours. An all in one spot/page to find other IWSG members who can provide certain services we're in need of. And segmented by genre, manuscript length, etc.
Hi,
I am sorry about your rejection. That was a lot for one week. They always hurt, at least for me they do.
Your suggestions about critiquing groups sound good.
Thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom shalom
I also suggested beta readers and editorial service. Thanks for co-hosting!
Thanks for co-hosting today and for this thoughtful post. I was just talking to another writer this week about wanting to find interactive writing groups- not for write-ins, but for deeper discussions about writing experiences and learning off of each other. I'd also love to get more aquainted with people in my genre.
My thoughts were also a critique group. Thanks for co-hosting;)
Official reader and critique groups would be good.
Your suggestion coincides with mine: to have a list of IWSG members offering services to other members for free or with a discount. Or reciprocal.
Some great ideas! Thanks for co-hosting this month. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Ah yes, querying...probably my least favorite part of publishing.
Ugh, rejections never really get easier. Good luck with your next submissions/queries!
There's just no easy way to get past rejection. How many do we need to prove we're trying, a hundred? Or we aren't trying hard enough? Our skin grows a little thicker (at least I don't cry anymore) but the needle still pricks. I've had some success without an agent (Unsolicited Press) but I'm still querying for another project because it'd be so nice to have one. Can't stop. Don't stop!
I think I need the rejection therapy group! I've had six rejections this week, four in one day....
It's getting harder and harder to get a positive response to a query. I often think of it this way: Imagine you're in the book store and you have a coupon for one book. Just one! Which one will you choose? Do you pass on any good books in your search? That's how I imagine it is for agents and editors. Keep polishing and trying!
Thanks for cohosting this month's IWSG question. Great suggestions here, Liza. It's amazing all that IWSG staff do. Your suggestion of beta readers by genre is great. And yes, it is difficult to find time to read and do everything necessary for our writing career. More power to you, Liza!
Good ideas. And yes - keep sending out those queries. Throw enough pasta on the wall, something will stick (either that or your pitching arm will be worthy of major league). You are a very good writer, with an excellent story. I am proud to be a beta reader. Happy Summer!
Hello! Thanks for co-hosting this week. I definitely agree with a way to find betas or critique partners. Also, I completely get the rejection therapy. It's a lot easier when you have people who understand to commiserate with. I'm generally good with the rejection because I expect it but some definitely sting more than others. I've been lucky to have a few great friends I found online to get me through. It could be helpful to have an easier way for people on the same part of their writing journey to connect!
Thank you for co-hosting, and, yes, I agree with both of your sugggestions! Especially having a small group of like-minded writers, perhaps even in your genre, that would be willing to beta read/critique . . . Perhaps it depends on where we all are in our writing. Certainly, such a project would be difficult . . . but we could add a call out!
So often, the very things that tear us down also keep us humble. We're all here for each other, and this post is a wonderful example of how the process works. Thanks for sharing, and for co-hosting this month!
Hi Liz!
I like your idea of a small, interactive groups for reading and critiquing ongoing work - especially alpha/beta readers by genre.
It's something worth investigating.
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