Can I post my book on the web for critique?

Radhika · Dec 4, 2010

What I'm saying is, can I post my book on places like here and Writing.com for critique, and when I come to you, can I delete it and will you still take my book?

rainsmom · Dec 4, 2010

As I understand it, posting excerpts (chapters) in a password-protected, members-only site is acceptable.

colealpaugh · Dec 4, 2010

Spika said:
What I'm saying is, can I post my book on places like here and Writing.com for critique, and when I come to you, can I delete it and will you still take my book?

As rainsmom says, anything posted outside of a password protected forum is considered published and could very well ruin any interest from an agent/publisher. A publisher or agent will specifically want to know if your manuscript has been previously published -- online included. And everything appearing online is cached forever.

Some agents will be okay with excerpts from a first chapter appearing on your blog/website. But many will recommend only the very minimum, as it's better safe than sorry.

I hope I got that right...

Radhika · Dec 4, 2010

Thanks for the responses. I'll probably post my work on AbsoluteWrite then, just in case.

MacAllister · Dec 4, 2010

Errr...to be clear, do not post your entire novel here, 'kay? First chapter, for the purposed of critique, in the appropriate SYW forum, sure -- but posting your entire book all at once isn't going to get you much by way of good response. Perhaps what you really need is a beta reader or two?

Radhika · Dec 4, 2010

MacAllister said:
Errr...to be clear, do not post your entire novel here, 'kay? First chapter, for the purposed of critique, in the appropriate SYW forum, sure -- but posting your entire book all at once isn't going to get you much by way of good response. Perhaps what you really need is a beta reader or two?

Yeah, of course. I'm probably only going to post a bit just to confirm my writing style and such. I obviously know not to post my entire novel, I don't think anyone will read it.

Wayne K · Dec 4, 2010

You can look for beta readers here

MacAllister · Dec 4, 2010

Spika said:
Yeah, of course. I'm probably only going to post a bit just to confirm my writing style and such. I obviously know not to post my entire novel, I don't think anyone will read it.

heh - cool.

We've had the occasional new member who didn't actually get that. Thanks for the follow-up clarification.

Can I post my book on the web for critique?

Radhika

The Young Writer

rainsmom

Feeling like an old timer

colealpaugh

"Bear trumps Elephants!"

Radhika

The Young Writer

MacAllister

'Twas but a dream of thee

Radhika

The Young Writer

Wayne K

MacAllister

'Twas but a dream of thee