What ‘FREE’ Means In Web World Speak
In the last two years that I’ve been offering free video quick query letter critiques, writers know that I post them sans all identifying information. Why do I offer this service? I’m good at it and the videos expand my real-time workshop instructor platform established when I began teaching at writers conferences in 2003.
Otherwise, why would I do work for free?
I wouldn’t.
Nor would most of you.
In all this time, I’ve done close to 200 free quick query critiques with only two complaints, both made by writers who did not get a ‘thumb’s up’ critique.
One threw out legal words to bolster his position that I take down his video immediately! The other writer used her writing group to support her contention that my critique was just plain wrong.
It happens. I have no problem being wrong and why I almost always include this phrase at the end of my critique: Remember, this is just my opinion.
Both of these writers expressed shock that I posted the video critique for all to see. This shocks me and why I decided to write this blog. Are they not visiting my site? Have they not clicked on at least one of the 130 videos posted on my YouTube page? Is the word FREE so blinding that they don’t see anything else?
To all writers, especially those of you new to the web, nothing is free. At the very least, a site will request your email before sending your ‘free‘ gift or they will request your subscription to their site before sending any free goodies to you. Why? This is how we all build & expand our platforms.
My hunch? At the root of these writers’ dismay is their query letter, not my critique of it. It’s hard to hear criticism. It stings. It can be embarrassing, which is why I delete all identifying information. We writers are sensitive souls. I’m going through a version of “OMG, the public is reading my writing!” right here through my SHOW DON’T TELL Series that I’m pleased to hear you find helpful even though at times, it’s very hard for me to do.
So writers, be aware. There’s very little free stuff out here. If you don’t want the web world to see your query letter draft, cough up $20.00 and I’ll do it privately. That’s why I offer this private service, a small price to pay for maintaining your pride. This way, you can hear the constructive criticism without feeling embarrassed.
To all, I hope you consider my video Quick Query Letter Critique Service a dress rehearsal. You want to work out the kinks before opening night, don’t you?
Marla,
I am amazed by folks who – first – can’t take honest, meaningful, productive criticism from a professional, and – second – can’t seem to understand that you don’t divulge details, e.g., author name, etc. that would identify the work and writer to the world. One wonders why such a writer would ask for a critique in the first place. Such a response indicates that something else is at work in the writer’s mind, such as a fear or feeling that their work doesn’t pass muster and your review confirms their deepest fears, illusions of grandeur, critical entitlement, or some other deep-seated fear that triggers a defensive reaction.
The real loss? The opportunity to actually learn something about the craft and about their writing is lost to them. I’m convinced that, in general, humans don’t want to learn. I think it scares most people. Needless to say, I respect your work and your reviews and, although they are forthright and honest, any criticism from any quarter seems to threaten some folks. As usual, I’m not surprised that you are addressing the issue head on – more power to you.
Bill,
Well said. ‘FREE’ blinds people out here—They don’t understand what the word means—-Not understanding the web business model separates the inexperienced writer from one who has logged significant time writing/marketing/publishing—
And yes, writers’ egos drive us to share our words. Usually, when we share them, we (secretly) think they are brilliantly penned….We hit the fork in the road when we find out otherwise….This is when our professionalism takes over and we take our lumps..OR our inflated ego takes over and we dismiss the feedback….
I’ve done both myself…
As always, thanks for taking time to comment.
Marla
Marla,
To be fair, I have seen, as I’m sure you have as well, reviewers, critics, editors, agents, et al, who don’t seem to have read a piece at all, or whose mind seemed to be elsewhere while ‘reading,’ or whose biases come into play with the first printed word. Then, there are the trolls, the bane of the internet, whose seemingly sole purpose is to get their jollies by providing meaningless, mean-spirited, entirely negative feedback, apparently to fill a void in their lives and/or their minds while hiding behind anonymity. Since there is little chance of weeding the trolls and ill-founded reviews from the process, it falls to the writer to separate the wheat from the chaff, place oneself in the perspective of the productive reviewer, and then learn from it.
P.S.: To be clear, I have seen none of the above behavior in your reviews.
Thanks Bill-I’ve always known this about me-you either really like me or you really don’t…I try to select writers who my gut tells me I can work with…that’s why my testimonials are positive…I’m tough, fair and kind-
It’s now easier to select clients because we skype first so we can get to know each other…vibes come thru via skype or google hang out—they really do…:)