Ladybird Critique Service

I also noticed an issue or two with commas and periods on that page. Anyway, they should list the titles of stories that were accepted after their critiques. How else can they back up their claims? And why not give more information about their "extensive experience"? Sigh.

you'd have to want to be robbed to even consider something like this.

If you can meet your general writing expenses then you can afford Lady Bird critique services. For example: Our editors will evaluate your romance and mini mystery story for a nominal fee of 24.95

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What the HELL does that even mean.


Run. Run fast and don't look back.

From the "Woman's World" page:

http://www.ladybirdcritique.com/4752.html

Editors read the first page of a manuscript, sometimes only the first paragraph before tossing it into the slush pile or offering you a contract.

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Umm...no.

They may toss it after one paragraph, but they're certainly not going to offer a contract after one paragraph. Either this shows a stunning lack of knowledge or the inability to correctly craft a sentence. Either way, this is no place to pay for professional advice.


I'm glad the ladies at the Woman's World forums know better.

seaaircarol said:

I've had another email exchange with "Ladybird." She (he?) said that they won't list titles, because titles are tied to names, and "many writers don't wish for their work to be identified with an editing service." And, although they might consider it in the future, she/he doesn't like the idea of posting testimonials because it violates their confidentiality policy.

If the author agreed to it, how could it violate the policy?

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don't waste your time emailing this person.

Editors read the first page of a manuscript, sometimes only the first paragraph before tossing it into the slush pile or offering you a contract.

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Toss it *into* the slush pile????? Freudian, you think?

Lady Bird Critique Services

I have it on good authority that Lady Bird Critique is legit. From what I've heard in the rumor mills, the critique agency was formed by a group of editors who work full time at various big name magazines. They do not reveal their names because their employers have not yet approved this sideline business. But from what I have heard, they are slammed with manuscripts. I may give them a try.

I thought editors 'got' the manuscript from a slushpile.

Who is the good authority?

EIC said:

I have it on good authority that Lady Bird Critique is legit. From what I've heard in the rumor mills, the critique agency was formed by a group of editors who work full time at various big name magazines. They do not reveal their names because their employers have not yet approved this sideline business. But from what I have heard, they are slammed with manuscripts. I may give them a try.

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Another good reason to take a step back. While the business is up and running now, we have no guarantee it's even going to be there next week.

EIC said:

I have it on good authority that Lady Bird Critique is legit. From what I've heard in the rumor mills, the critique agency was formed by a group of editors who work full time at various big name magazines. They do not reveal their names because their employers have not yet approved this sideline business. But from what I have heard, they are slammed with manuscripts. I may give them a try.

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Really? But, erm, wouldn't editors at big-name magazines know how publishing actually works and therefore not say rubbish like this:

Editors read the first page of a manuscript, sometimes only the first paragraph before tossing it into the slush pile or offering you a contract.

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EIC said:

I have it on good authority that Lady Bird Critique is legit. From what I've heard in the rumor mills, the critique agency was formed by a group of editors who work full time at various big name magazines. They do not reveal their names because their employers have not yet approved this sideline business. But from what I have heard, they are slammed with manuscripts. I may give them a try.

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And your connection with them is......?

EIC said:

I have it on good authority that Lady Bird Critique is legit. From what I've heard in the rumor mills, the critique agency was formed by a group of editors who work full time at various big name magazines. They do not reveal their names because their employers have not yet approved this sideline business. But from what I have heard, they are slammed with manuscripts. I may give them a try.

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Could it be because running a critique service involves those *editors who work at big time magazines* in a serious conflict of interest?

Here's the thing: writers need to know how to edit and proof their own manuscripts. Period. "Good authority" isn't good enough. Lots of scams have "good authority." A legitimate business run by legitimate editors not only cite the editors' names and experience, but also list past and current clients and titles of works. For any critique service to claim this as a violation of confidentiality is enough to raise red flags.

And when the only information about the said service comes from rumor mills, it raises a fleet of red flags.

As I said, they have been slammed with manuscripts so I doubt they care whether or not you take a step back. LOL

EIC said:

As I said, they have been slammed with manuscripts so I doubt they care whether or not you take a step back. LOL

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Perhaps not, but people here care about whether authors are getting value for their money. This service doesn't appear to have any value. And unwitting authors need to know that.

EIC said:

As I said, they have been slammed with manuscripts so I doubt they care whether or not you take a step back. LOL

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PA is slammed with manuscripts everyday. Your point is?

I am just saying the business is legit. I don't know of any other critique service that has professional magazine editors to critique the stories. It's a good deal and I am glad it is available.

EIC said:

I am just saying the business is legit. I don't know of any other critique service that has professional magazine editors to critique the stories. It's a good deal and I am glad it is available.

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Enjoy. So what's your connection with them?

LadyBird Critique

My connection---I live in New York and know people in the publishing industry. LOL Actually, I understand everyone's concern but I thought you guys would like to know this critique service is legit. That's all.