'THE "I NEED A NONFICTION ARTICLE CRIT" THREAD (Have an article in SYW? Tell us here.

[jdkiggins]

If you've come here because you've posted something in Share Your Work in response to one of the freelance prompts and need feedback, let us know here.

Please post in the Nonfiction area of the Share Your Work forum.

Those kind enough to crit, please post your crit in the Share Your Work forum as well.

Thank you.

[sulong]

I would really like some feed back on my article I posted here.
It's okay, be brutal with me. I want to get better.



http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=704456#post704456

[Fern]

I'm trying to improve my essay writing and can't always tell what is interesting to others. Could use opinions and/or critique on an essay I posted in the Humor section of Share Your Work. Thanks.Here's a link.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39136

[jdkiggins]

I'm sorry I wasn't online much when you posted this, Fern. :Hug2: I missed it. If you decide to repost, let us know.

[CBeasy]

I've posted several possible articles that I'm trying to choose between to see which one I'm going to flesh out and send to a local weekly publication. The paper I'm sending it to is very alternative, liberal, and hip (if you will). I've already gotten some great feedback, but more is always appriciated.

[SpiderGal]

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=918832#post918832

Got a filler that I wish to submit to one of the national glossies. Would love to hear any feedback!

[proofeditwrite]

Gee this is driving me crazy, I cannot login and I cannot get a comforting voice to tell me it will soon all be over. I want my blankie.

[limitedtimeauthor]

It will all soon be over...(that didn't sound right)

I'm here, proof. What do you need help with?

[elisadasilva]

Thanks JD. I have asked for a crit for a query letter. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Freckles]

I've never done this before, but I put up a new essay in the Nonfiction forum. I'm not desperate. Really. ;)

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52109

[Southern_girl29]

I posted a query for a magazine in the query section of SYW. I would really appreciate any help. And, Freckles, I'll take a look at your essay for you.

[Freckles]

And I'll return the favor and take a look at your query, southern!! ;)

[midwife]

Hi all, I posted a query in SYW query section that I would love some feedback on. I will check out SouthernGirl's and Freckles' postings. Thanks!!

[brendastarr]

Hey fellow freelancers! I just posted a query I wrote into the query section of SYW. Will you let me know where I'm going wrong? And be mean, I'd rather hear it from you guys then an editor. Thanks!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1093676#post1093676

[jdkiggins]

Sorry I haven't made my way to the SYW forum sooner.
Elisa, Freckles, Southern and midwife, are you still needing crits?

I just commented on Brenda's query. Hope it helps. ;)

[Freckles]

Sure, Joanne, if you've got the time. If not, no worries! ;)

[limitedtimeauthor]

Here is my entry from the February contest. I would appreciate ruthless, brutal, nit-picking critiques from anyone. I am especially interested in critiques from parents and/or folks who publish fillers in national magazines....but that said, I welcome ANY suggestions. I would really like to improve and start making some money from these things! :)

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1116079#post1116079

Thanks in advance!

ltd.

ETA: Oh yeah, almost forgot! Market suggestions are also appreciated! ;)

[ritinrider]

I posted my Feb. contest entry and in the words of ltd., " would appreciate ruthless, brutal, nit-picking critiques from anyone. I am especially interested in critiques from parents and/or folks who publish fillers in national magazines....but that said, I welcome ANY suggestions. I would really like to improve and start making some money from these things!"

Apologies to ltd. on borrowing her words, but she said it much better than me. And like her I would appreciate any suggestions and hopefully with some polish and fixing I will soon be selling articles to magazines.

[Freckles]

I posted my Feb. assignment in the Nonfiction section as well. Thanks, all!!! :) I don't know what I'd do without AW!!

[Amy K. Jones]

I just posted my February contest entry to show your work. I'm praying it is worth anyone spending precious time reading, again. Ha!

Here's the link: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1124274#post1124274

I've never put anything on that forum before, so am hoping I posted it correctly. I'd appreciate any feedback anyone would like to give, and thank you kindly for the help!

[limitedtimeauthor]

I posted my Feb. contest entry and in the words of ltd., " would appreciate ruthless, brutal, nit-picking critiques from anyone. I am especially interested in critiques from parents and/or folks who publish fillers in national magazines....but that said, I welcome ANY suggestions. I would really like to improve and start making some money from these things!"

Apologies to ltd. on borrowing her words, but she said it much better than me. And like her I would appreciate any suggestions and hopefully with some polish and fixing I will soon be selling articles to magazines.You can borrow my words if you crit my little article! That's a fair trade, isn't it? :)

Here's the link for anyone else, and thanks to all who have commented! The jury is still out on whether it's worth even being an article, and I honestly don't want to waste an editor's time if the thing is too simplistic. No sense in giving them a bad first impression, right?
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1116079#post1116079

And BTW, as soon as I have some time I'll visit all of the other ones, too. Munchkin is home today so my concentration is kind of shot at the moment. :)

Thanks,
ltd.

[Southern_girl29]

I've posted my February entry in SYW, too. I would love to have comments on it.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55292

[brendastarr]

I posted a query letter I just wrote for the June issue of a city magazine. I really want this to turn into a feature piece, so be brutal please. Martha Stewart brutal if you have to be.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1129283#post1129283

[midwife]

Hi guys,
I too have a query up for critique, if you would be so kind. I will check out yours!

[Tripletsmom]

I just posted my first magazine query letter draft on the SYW thread. I'd appreciate suggestions or comments from more experienced freelance writers. Thank you!

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1131365#post1131365

[wyntermoon]

Howdy do!
I've posted a query letter crit request in SYW if you wouldn't mind taking a peek!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55591

Thanks!

[brendastarr]

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1136560#post1136560

In my attempt to send out four query letters a week I posted another one for your opinions. Thanks!

[midwife]

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1145103#post1145103

If you have a second, would you look at this writing sample?? Thanks!!

[Freckles]

Here's a new query I finished...

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55927

[KCathy]

If you have a minute, would you please let me borrow your brain for this 1,200-word article for Mothering? TIA!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56953

[Freckles]

Hey, guys, I posted a query on journaling in the Queries section. Thanks!

[karasw]

Can you guys look at this (posted in SYW forum):
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57459

[limitedtimeauthor]

Kara, FWIW I critiqued your letter. (But I really only did it so I could see what an Award-Winning Travel Writer's query letters look like!)

ltd.

[brendastarr]

Hey gang!
I just posted a query. Please let me know if sucks beyond redemption or if it's salvageable.

Thanks,
Meg

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1198368#post1198368

[CatMuse33]

I just posted a personal essay in SYW. (I hope that was the right place, I saw other memoirs there). I'd love some feedback for improvements.
Dawn

[sassandgroove]

Hello. I posted my first query in the SYW area. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Jennifer

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58583

[SpiderGal]

I just posted a critique request here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1287136#post1287136

I would love to have a few freelancers look over the article.

[SpiderGal]

I just posted a short piece here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1373693#post1373693

Your feedback is welcome! :)

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I wrote an article for submission for the Just Hit Send challenge. I would really appreciate honest [harsh] crits on it. It's a very important issue with a friend and I. I want it to be powerful and able to really hold attention.

Thanks in advance and if I posted in the wrong place, I'm sorry!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1378342#post1378342

[i just noticed a couple of problems in it after i posted it. i'll be correcting the run on sentence and over usage of commas, sorry!]

[ritinrider]

Ok, here I am, wading back into the writing waters. And trying to get published to boot. Hope I'm not in too deep. I've posted a possible column for my rl's writing club newsletter in syw. I'd appreciate any and all feedback.

Assuming I did this right, I posted my column here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1403317#post1403317

Please take a look-see and let me know. Be brutal, I know I said I was wading back into the writing waters, but I can take. Plus, I'd rather ya'll be brutal and tell me what needs to be fixed than to 'hear' that the readers thought it was lacking. Thank you all so much.

[Q.Rious]

I have a query letter up, please shred. Figuratively. Help a girl out.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67601

[Q.Rious]

Do you have a pet? Do you have an opinion? Do you have a pet and an opinion? If so, please read and critique.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68997

[ritinrider]

Hey gals (and guys, if you're still here) would you mind taking a looksee at this and helping out. I think it still has problems, but I'm not sure what exactly they are. I didn't write this, I've convinced a young lady (Mod35Babe) in Australia (I think) to try nonfiction, and this is her attempt. I'm trying to convince her to come play and enter Joanne's contests, but she hasn't succumbed yet, ya'll might try while your checking out her writing.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70818

Thanks,
Nita

[Azraelsbane]

I recently posted an article in the nonfiction SYW section. I would appreciate any input, as it's the first article I've written in years.

I'm attempting to put my foot down and try my hand at freelance writing, but I have no idea where to query or if this type of article is even query worthy. Oh well, I guess I've written something, and that's the first step. :)

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71119

[abra-c]

I am out of the loop or blind. I'd like to offer feedback on query letters and request for feedback, but I don't see where the password is listed to enter... could someone send it to me please? or do i need to register? offer a sacrifice?

[Fern]

It is vista. If you look to your left on the SYW forum, before entering, it should give it there.

[abra-c]

I think I've noted that before and then promptly forgot again. Thanks!

[Mod35tBabe]

Hey gals (and guys, if you're still here) would you mind taking a looksee at this and helping out. I think it still has problems, but I'm not sure what exactly they are. I didn't write this, I've convinced a young lady (Mod35Babe) in Australia (I think) to try nonfiction, and this is her attempt. I'm trying to convince her to come play and enter Joanne's contests, but she hasn't succumbed yet, ya'll might try while your checking out her writing.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70818

Thanks,
Nita

Lucky I decided to scroll through all the posts because I didn't know this thread was here, so was going to post about my non-fiction attempt and look it's already been posted. Thanks Nita. I'm going to post another attempt I did a while back when I was more or less mucking around and writing because the idea popped into my head, and not because I intended to do anything with it. I'll be sure to post in this thread when I do put my article up.

[cress8]

I put this on the SYW forum first, then saw a reference to this thread. Here's my short non-fiction piece on homework. Thanks in advance for your help!
Cress

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89256

[CatMuse33]

I have a story in the Memoirs section, http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88035, a Chicken-soup style personal essay about my cats.
It's pretty short and I would love some feedback.
Thanks so much.
Dawn
P.S. thx to Joanne for pointing out this thread.

[ritinrider]

I have posted a story (I think it's in the memoirs section)http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1972631#post1972631
Right now it's for a contest, but I'd like to try CSS or something like that if I can get it sounding decent. Please help.

Thanks.

Dawn, I read and enjoyed yours but didn't offer a crit. I think you'll understand why when you read mine.

[CatMuse33]

Ritin,
I just saw this note. I'll read yours and figure it out. LOL

I just posted a marketing letter in the nonfiction section, and would love some help from it from anyone at all... if you can't crit from the perspective of writing marketing materials, please crit as a reader.

I have been staring at this letter all day, been through three completely separate drafts, and I'm struggling. My client has a clear vision of what he wants, but can't write it himself and is having trouble communicating it to me. So it's been a challenge. LOL

Thanks so much!
Dawn

P.S. Ritin--I did read your story the other night, didn't crit because I didn't have time. I'm going to try to hit it up again now.

[Autodidact]

I have an article in the SYW nonfiction folder right now. Since this is trying to be my first commercial article, I would appreciate it if you saved my ass any help you can give me. Thanks.

[CatMuse33]

I just posted a revised version of my marketing/welcome letter. I think I have it, but since I have until Monday to get it to my friend, I figured I'd take advantage of any words of wisdom I could get. :) Thanks so much!

[nancy sv]

I wrote up some funny tidbits of info about our bike trip - would you read it and tell me if it sounds corny?? Thanks!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1998169#post1998169

[wordsmith]

Just posted a query letter to Imperfect Parent in SYW. Please critique. TIA!

here's the link: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2004791#post2004791

[ritinrider]

Posted in the memoirs section, a new version of my inspirational (?) piece. Please let me know what you think. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89471
Wordsmith, I'm headed to read yours now.

[wordsmith]

I've posted a new rewrite of an initial QL to Imperfect parent. Please critique. (It also has a couple of new questions.)

Thanks again everyone!

Here's the link: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2006175#post2006175

Latest rendition is up: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2007064#post2007064

[mamakat]

Hi, I have a favor to ask...I have a very brief piece in the non-fic critique section and if you have a few minutes to spare, will you check it out and let me know what you think?

It seems ready to me, but I wrote it very quickly and would like feedback before I send it to my editor tomorrow.

Thanks!

[Silver King]

It might help if you include a link in your post, mamakat, so folks can find your article with ease.

Good luck with the piece!

[Silver King]

I came across the piece here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93832) soon after my previous post. :)

[mamakat]

Thanks for linking that for me, Silver King!

[jdkiggins]

Moved this to the critique request thread.

Good luck.

[espressojo]

I posted my article in the SYW forum. Hopefully, someone can tell me if it's still making sense. If not, I'll be crying more than my kids the next few days. But don't be afraid to tell me the truth, I can take it. Really, I can. Really. <leaves to wipe eyes and blow nose>

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2099745#post2099745

TIA

[nancy sv]

I"ve been asked to write an article about taking an extended bicycle tour for a magazine. I've posted it in the SYW forum - would you mind reading it and letting me know how it sounds? Thanks!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2100389#post2100389

[jdkiggins]

Sticking this thread at the top of the forum so it's easier to find.

[Autodidact]

Hi, I need a nonfiction article crit here. (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2136404#post2136404) Any help is appreciated with rep.

[wordsmith]

Just posted MILF! Spare Me in SYW. Please crit/provide feedback. It's the letter that I used for the QL contest.

Thanks! :)

ETA: here's the link: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2151210#post2151210

[TrixieBelden]

I am about to tear my hair out over this article on marital misconduct. My brand new editor has sent it back three times and I just know she is about to can me. Can you guys take a look at it and tell me if it sucks and how it can not suck? Very appreciated.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2153172#post2153172

[TrixieBelden]

I have another nonfic piece that needs some pointers. I think I have just stared at these same pieces so long that I cant see the writing on the wall! Heeeellllllpppppp....

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96186

[Feathers]

I have a non-fiction query down in the Query Letter Critique forum. If I could get some reads, that would be great :) Check my query out here. (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96449)

Thanks,
-Feathers

[Autodidact]

If anyone has time to take a quick peek at my first attempt at a trade magazine query, it's here (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2184173#post2184173). Much appreciate. It's my free day to work without kids, so I'm impatient to JHS. Danke schoen.

[CatMuse33]

I just posted an article about Freecycle in the SYW thread. I don't do this very often, but I feel like this article is missing *something*. It's for theWAHMmagazine. (Yes, it feels weird to post for help on an article when the editor posts here, too... but I figured a variety of feedback might help me!)

Thanks in advance, everyone.

[Autodidact]

Actually it's just a query, but if you have a sec, can you help me jazz this one (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2237355#post2237355) up? Thanks.

[Angie]

Hi, all -

Never mind. Had a request here, but an offline friend looked it over for me this morning and had some great suggestions. So, um, nothing to see here. No, really, you can go now. I mean it - bug off.

:Wha:

Um...hey! Look! An elephant playing a kazoo!

*runs away*


This post the product of too little sleep and breaking my personal caffeine ban. My apologies.

[Autodidact]

Me again. Another humorous essay for Skirt. (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101781) Your help is always appreciated.

[KansasWriter]

Hi, I've posted my opening chapter in SYW and could really use some feedback. Here's the link: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101924

[Cleopatra Jones]

Hi - I just posted a draft magazine query that really needs some help on SYW. Here's the link: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108543. Sorry it's an ugly link - how do you make the fancy ones?

Thanks for your help!

[MamaLou]

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2545532#post2545532

Thanks all, I appreciate your input!

[MamaLou]

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109253

thanks all again for your help.

[a_morris]

I have a life story style personal essay

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109630

[Cindyh2k]

Hi guys,

I posted the opening of my new WIP - could you guys give me an honest opinion on it?

Woman Up (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111748)

Thanks!

Cindy

[Cleopatra Jones]

Hi everyone - I have a magazine query in SYW that needs a crit. Can anyone help out? Please? Here's the link: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114974

Thanks!

[a_morris]

I have an article on visiting a Japanese Onsen that needs a crit.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2778751#post2778751

[CatMuse33]

Friday night, I had an awful experience with a doctor in the midwifery practice I go to. I'm writing a letter of complaint... we're not ready to take action against her, but want to alert her supervisors of the situation and our feelings.

As a writer, I'm worried about libel suits or presenting accusations or assumptions about her, ahem, incompetence. So, even though it's unconventional, I posted the letter in SYW because I trust you guys!

Is the letter: factual without editorializing, recounting events as they happened? Clear and concise? Still passionate enough to evoke emotion in the reader? and, of course, logically organized?

I can assure you it is ALL true. I only wish I had my tape recorder going, as I know it's legal in NYS to tape conversations as long as ONE of the parties knows it's being taped. (Protection against hidden room taps, but you can tape conversations that you're taking part in.)

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2795454#post2795454 (http://http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2795454#post2795454)

I would really love feedback! Thanks!

Dawn

[Cleopatra Jones]

Hi - I'd appreciate any comments on my revised magazine query in SYW. You can find it at: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117440

Thanks!

[cnbrath]

Hi - I'd appreciate any comments on this article:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135442

I'm trying to improve - so all feedback is welcomed. Thanks!

[Autodidact]

I'm working on an essay for Skirt magazine. Looking for feedback here (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162955). Thanks, comrades.

[wyntermoon]

Moving to appropriate thread

[KT Golightly]

I posted something here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4406506#post4406506

and would really appreciate feedback, particularly from ds writers.

Thank you!

[Ulee_Lhea]

Hello! This thread is looking kind of quiet, but if there's anyone still around, I'd love some help with a query letter (posted here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185555)).

Thanks in advance!

[Caroline]

Hello all! I'd really appreciate feedback on my article about working as an Army journalist:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185566

Thank ya much!

[triceretops]

This is a wonderful thread. I just got approved by Demand Studios and Examiner.com, and frankly, I'm terrified. I'll need someplace to go to test out my first article. This is worse than AP style, and It'll take me some time to get the hang of this no non-sense, lean article writing.

Tri

[triceretops]

This is a comment by an editor at DS. Can you explain to me how this should be re-written? I'll list it here, since it's so short. I'll try my own version below to see it becomes more clear.

-Watch out for subject-pronoun agreement (Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate and reflect competence in himself, his employer and the company brand name for which he works.)

My rewrite: "Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate self-confidence, and reflect well upon his employer and company brand name."

Better?

Tri

[triceretops]

On second thought, to agree pronouns, I'll try it this way:

"Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate and reflect competence in themselves, their employer and the company brand name for which they work."

I think that's what's meant. But isn't that kind of an awkward sentence? I still like my other rewritten example in the previous post. Or is this okay? Comments?


-Watch out for subject-pronoun agreement (Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate and reflect competence in himself, his employer and the company brand name for which he works.)

[SWest]

On second thought, to agree pronouns, I'll try it this way:

"Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate and reflect competence in themselves, their employer and the company brand name for which they work."

I think that's what's meant. But isn't that kind of an awkward sentence? I still like my other rewritten example in the previous post. Or is this okay? Comments?


-Watch out for subject-pronoun agreement (Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate and reflect competence in himself, his employer and the company brand name for which he works.)

You need to choose one of these:

All Singular

"Habits of a good auto mechanic demonstrate and reflect competence in himself, his employer and the company brand name for which he works."

OR

All Plural

"Habits of good auto mechanics demonstrate and reflect competence in themselves, their employers and the company brand names for which they work."

[triceretops]

Ah, thank you!

Tri

[AngelicaRJackson]

I've been heavily into writing fiction in the last few years and feel like I'm off my stride for nonfiction. I usually take my articles to my crit group, but for this one I needed someone who doesn't know anything about me. Could I get some feedback on it? Thanks!

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186592

[beawhiz]

I have a sample piece that I would like critiqued, please! It's here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191626