Two Questions...

mara_jade3 · Nov 24, 2007

Okay, first of all... I'm very nervous about this beta reader thing since my work isn't copyrighted.

I'm probably just paranoid though. This is safe and done a lot, right?

And now, can I get a beta reader for just my query letter and possibly my synopsis? I may need one just to go through my entire manuscript later because publishers say it just needs to be polished. This won't need to be done unless the latest publisher to request the whole thing rejects it for that reason a second time.

So, anyone want to beta read my query letter? It's for a YA fantasy novel. I would appreciate the help!

~Jen

Maryn · Nov 25, 2007

I can go you one better. Over at the Share Your Work board, there's a section devoted to query letters. Some of the regulars there are real, real good, too. I think if you post your best effort there, you'll find out what works and what doesn't in a way that's not even painful.

About copyright--your work is copyrighted from the moment of being saved to a fixed medium, whether it's paper, your hard drive, or lipstick on a cocktail napkin. A copyright need not be registered with the Library of Congress to be in effect.

And quite frankly, it's hard enough to sell our own novels much less sell the ones we stole, too. (<--joke, since our biggest rule here is to respect our fellow writer)

Maryn, glad to meet you

mara_jade3 · Nov 25, 2007

Thanks, Maryn. I will post my query letter there once I get over my laziness to get up and retrieve the flashdrive with the file. (I was just in the hot tub and am too relaxed)

It's nice to meet you too.

Your avatar makes me laugh. Is that actually you??

Two Questions...

mara_jade3

Broken Pixie

Maryn

I Tried

mara_jade3

Broken Pixie