Writing for Children and Teens » free-tiques

RLGL feedback has been returned!

Cynthea — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:16:43 +0000

Hey, everyone,

Snoop and I are happy to report that we’ve finished all feedback for this last game of RLGL. If we missed yours somehow, please forward your WHY WHY WHY email to sub at cynthealiu DOT come or leave us a comment. If you missed the deadline to formally request feedback, we’re sorry, but Snoop and I need to move on with other important writerly matters at this time. Like catching up on our favorite reality TV shows and stuff.

Also, many of you are sending your thanks or wondering if you can even send your thanks … Of course, we gladly except thank you emails, comments on our blog, shout-outs on your blogs, virtual carrots… We love praise! In fact we kinda thrive on knowing that we’re helping people out.

If you want to do more than just a shout-out of love, we, as authors, can’t think of any bigger compliment than knowing you wouldn’t mind owning a Liu-Snooper book! So feel free to load up your virtual shopping carts or go to your local bookstore and order them up!

Take care, everyone. I hope to see many of you in LA for the SCBWI Annual Conference. I’m on faculty this year—doing what? Why, critiquing of course! (Snooper will be at home though. He’s on toddler-duty.) Please say Hi. You’ll find me at the Wine and Cheese Reception, hanging out in the patio area, and getting down on the dance floor.

I look forward to meeting you in person!

Happy revising,
Cynthea and The Snooper!

Add bookmark:

RLGL is officially over: how to get feedback

Cynthea — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:42:33 +0000

Well, we’ve read, we’ve mulled, we’ve chewed.

The winner for RLGL in the longer-work category is #102! #102, you do not need to do anything to receive your free-tique, other than to remind Snoop on July 1st that we promised to finish it by June 30th!

All other SUDDEN DEATH players, all of you will receive some quick criticism – in-the-style-of-”brief-and-to-the-point” automatically. In addition to 102, some of you may be referred to my agent for a peek but I’ll discuss that with you before doing so.

#8, I did not receive your entry prior to the deadline. If you sent it in on time, please contact me and let me know.

All other players who participated in RLGL and would like a quick-crit, please follow these instructions carefully.

For each entry that needs feedback, send an email with this in the subject line: WHY, WHY, WHY? ENTRY #, Type, Pg #s. (e.g., WHY, WHY, WHY? #250, PB, Pg 1-2, THE BUN ALSO RISES). Same address sub AT cynthealiu dotcom.

In the body of the email, paste in everything you sent in for that entry. If you sent in Page 1-5, you would paste in all of that text in logical, chronological order (no need for breaks). This way Snoop can quickly read over the entry again from start to stop, refresh his memory, and let you know what led to the elimination.

EVERYONE will need to remember the solemn free-tique oath.

This feedback will probably not contain many bells and whistles, given the # of entries we need to respond to. So understand, that we may not be commenting specifically on the positive aspects of your writing. Instead, we will just let you know what wasn’t working for us. No one should feel suckage after a crit like this just because we skipped the sugar, okay?

You have until June 19th, 11:59PM CST to request feedback.

Do not ask for status on feedback until after Snoop has announced he is finished! Thanks for your patience, and thanks for being so brave to submit your stuff to The Snooper! He’s got enough fiber in his diet to last a millenium, thanks to you! We’ll see you next time around!

Happy revising,

Cynthea (and Snoop!)

Add bookmark:

RLGL Sudden Death Results

Cynthea — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 02:42:39 +0000

Snoop is having trouble deciding which entry should win sudden death. He has decided to sleep on it, knowing that tomorrow will shed new light. Please hang tight – we will re-read the entries tomorrow and make a determination. Based on Snoop’s schedule, it is likely we shall have result’s by 1PM CST. Thank you! (Sorry for the torture!)

Add bookmark:

Round 7 RLGL Results, Sudden Death in effect

Cynthea — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:52:23 +0000

Snoop says, RED LIGHT!

All entries submitted before June 2, 11:59PM CST have been reviewed. We have a winner for the longer-work category. A number of people have cleared page 7 (some, just barely). We have a six-way tie. If you see, SUDDEN DEATH next to your #, this means you are now competing for the win.

Everyone else, the game is over for you. Please hold off on contacting Snoop for feedback until SUDDEN DEATH is complete.

SUDDEN DEATH players – this is your last opportunity to woe Snoop with your writing prowess.

Make sure you title your email with your Entry #, SUDDEN DEATH, TYPE and MS TITLE. (E.g. #14, SUDDEN DEATH, MG, The Chronicles of Bunnia)

ATTACH. ATTACH! the FIRST 6250 words of your MS (hope you know how to use the Word Count feature in Microsoft Word!) Approximately 25 pages roughly.

This does not mean all 25 pages will be read. It just means, Snoop will keep reading until he gives up. The entry that compels Snoop to read the most words WINS. The key is to make sure every word is worth reading for Snoop.

Snoop says, GREEN LIGHT! You have until Sunday, June 6th, 11:59PM to revise your first 6250 words. Again the goal is get Snoop to want to read as many words as possible. You may change stuff you’ve sent before to Snoop if you need to. Just make sure you do not send in more than 6250 words (including Chapter Titles) and START FROM THE BEGINNING of that work.

Again, FIRST 6250 words. ATTACHED.

And don’t forget to use the correct subject line format and email address : sub AT cynthealiu DOT com.

Number	Type	FINAL RESULTS	Back to start -Rd7
8	YA	SUDDEN DEATH
9	YA	SUDDEN DEATH
10	MG
29	YA
32	PB
33	PB
42	MG
52	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
55	PB
61	MG
67	MG	X*
72	MG
85	MG
87	MG	X*
88	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
95	YA
99	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
102	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
106	PB
111	MG
125	PB
130	MG	X*
134	YA
135	MG
139	YA	X*
140	YA		X
142	PB
143	MG		X
144	YA	X
146	CB	X*
153	MG	X*
154	MG
157	PB
158	MG		X
159	YA	X*
166	MG
172	YA
173	PB		X
174	PB
176	MG
179	PB	X*
181	YA	X
182	PB
183	PB	X
184	YA	X*
187	PB
189	MG	X
191	MG
193	YA	X*
194	YA	X
196	YA	X*
197	YA		X
198	MG	X*
199	MG		X
200	YA		X
201	CB	X
202	PB		X
203	YA	X*
204	PB	X*
205	YA	X*

Number	Type	FINAL RESULTS	Back to start -Rd7
8	YA	SUDDEN DEATH
9	YA	SUDDEN DEATH
10	MG
29	YA
32	PB
33	PB
42	MG
52	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
55	PB
61	MG
67	MG	X*
72	MG
85	MG
87	MG	X*
88	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
95	YA
99	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
102	MG	SUDDEN DEATH
106	PB
111	MG
125	PB
130	MG	X*
134	YA
135	MG
139	YA	X*
140	YA		X
142	PB
143	MG		X
144	YA	X
146	CB	X*
153	MG	X*
154	MG
157	PB
158	MG		X
159	YA	X*
166	MG
172	YA
173	PB		X
174	PB
176	MG
179	PB	X*
181	YA	X
182	PB
183	PB	X
184	YA	X*
187	PB
189	MG	X
191	MG
193	YA	X*
194	YA	X
196	YA	X*
197	YA		X
198	MG	X*
199	MG		X
200	YA		X
201	CB	X
202	PB		X
203	YA	X*
204	PB	X*
205	YA	X*

Add bookmark:

RLGL Round 7 Results tonight!

Cynthea — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:34:07 +0000

Hey all, I know many of you are anxiously awaiting results for Round 7. This is your update that they will be coming tonight. I don’t know when, but please try to relax and enjoy your afternoon while you wait. Apologies for the torture!

Add bookmark:

RLGL Round 6 Results complete, no more new manuscripts

Cynthea — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:56:28 +0000

Snoop says, RED LIGHT. Round 6 results are complete.

Existing racers: PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR ENTRY NUMBERS in the subject line as well as the correct page # for this contest (not what’s in your manuscript).

After page 1, do not send more than 250 words or less than 250 words. This ensures everyone competes equally. We don’t care if a sentence has been cut off or if you’ve ended a chapter. 250 WORDS (including chapter titles, etc.) Thanks!

NOVELISTS: If you have or are about to send in Page 7 of your manuscript for Round 7, there’s a good chance that Snoop will ask for a SUDDEN DEATH round if your page clears. Sudden death will involve a page-off between racers who are tied at Page 7. Stay tuned for that.

All racers: please hang tight until this RLGL is completely done before asking for feedback. There are specific procedures for that which Snoop has not yet unveiled.

If there is an asterisk by your X – that means Snoop is about ready to eat your manuscript so make sure you are tightening your pages!

Number	Type	Send in next 250 words	Back to start – Rd 6
8	YA	X
9	YA	X
10	MG
12	MG		X
18	YA		X
27	MG		X
29	YA
32	PB
33	PB
40	CB		X
42	MG		X
52	MG	X*
55	PB
59	MG		X
61	MG
67	MG	X*
72	MG
85	MG	X*
87	MG	X
88	MG	X*
91	MG		X
95	YA
98	YA		X
99	MG	X*
102	MG	X*
106	PB
111	MG
125	PB
127	CB		X
128	YA		X
129	YA		X
130	MG	X*
134	YA
135	MG	X
139	YA	X*
140	YA	X*
142	PB
143	MG	X*
144	YA	X*
146	CB	X*
153	MG	X
154	MG	X*
157	PB
158	MG	X*
159	YA	X*
161	YA		X
166	MG
167	MG		X
172	YA
173	PB	X*
174	PB
175	PB		X
176	MG	X
178	PB		X
179	PB	X*
181	YA	X*
182	PB	X*
183	PB	X*
184	YA	X
185	YA		X
186	PB		X
187	PB	X*
188	PB		X
189	MG	X*
190	PB		X
191	MG	X
175	PB		X
192	PB		X
193	YA	X
194	YA	X
195	YA		X
196	YA	X
197	YA	X
198	MG	X*
199	MG	X*
200	YA	X*
201	CB
202	PB	X*
203	YA	X*
204	PB	X*

SNOOP SAYS, Green Light. Entries who cleared this round, you have until tonight, June 2nd, 11:59PM CST to turn in your next 250 words. NO NEW MANUSCRIPTS from anyone, please. Thank you!

Add bookmark:

RLGL Round 5 Results Complete, New Racers must enter by June 1

Cynthea — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:33:28 +0000

Snoop says, RED LIGHT! Round 5 Results are complete.

RACERS: This is your last chance to enter. After Round 6 closes, Snoop will NOT be issuing new entry #s. You have until June 1st, 11:59PM CST. After that, only existing entries will be able to play.

Read this post for full details on how to enter.

If there is an asterisk by your X, it means Snoop is just waiting to chomp on your manuscript. Tighten your pages!

BTW, many of you saved yourselves from elimination in this round. Snoop was impressed by how quickly some of your entries turned themselves around. Good work!

Number	Type	Send in next 250 words	Back to start – Rd5
1	YA		X
6	YA		X
8	YA	X
9	YA	X
10	MG
12	MG	X
18	YA
23	MG		X
27	MG	X*
29	YA
31	YA		X
32	PB
33	PB
40	CB	X*
42	MG	X*
44	MG		X
47	MG		X
52	MG	X*
55	PB
57	MG		X
59	MG	X*
61	MG
67	MG	X
70	MG		X
72	MG
85	MG	X*
87	MG	X*
88	MG	X
91	MG	X*
95	YA
97	CB		X
98	YA	X*
99	MG	X
102	MG	X*
106	PB
111	MG
116	YA		X
125	PB
127	CB	X*
128	YA	X*
129	YA	X*
130	MG	X
134	YA
135	MG	X*
139	YA	X
140	YA
142	PB	CLEARED ALL PAGES
143	MG	X
144	YA	X
146	CB	X
148	YA		X
149	YA		X*
153	MG	X
154	MG	X*
157	PB
158	MG	X*
159	YA	X*
161	YA
162	PB		X
166	MG
167	MG	X*
171	PB		X
172	YA
173	PB	X*
174	PB	X*
175	PB	X*
176	MG	X*
177	YA		X
178	PB	X*
179	PB	X*
180	MG		X
181	YA	X

SNOOP SAYS, Green light! Deadline for Round 6: June 1st, 11:59PM CST.

If you do not see your number posted here or did not receive a number, this means …
1) Your submission did not make the deadline for that round. It will be rolled into the next.
2) Our reply with your number landed in your spam box. (Please check your spam box before asking about your number, thanks!)
3) Your submission landed in Snoop’s spam box or we somehow missed your entry. If you believe this is the case, simply re-forward your submission and explain the situation. If you believe we are not getting your emails at all, feel free to leave a comment on this post, and we will definitely get your message off the site.

Thanks and good luck in the next round!

Add bookmark:

RLGL – next round is last one for new entries

Cynthea — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:28:33 +0000

Hey all,

NEW RACERS: Visit this post for full details on how this game is played.

Snoop and I are packing for Mem Day weekend and doing all sorts of crazy stunts to get ourselves together. We anticipate Round 5 judging will occur late tonight. No worries though, you will have plenty of time to turn in Round 6 pages. Snoop thinks the next deadline will be on Monday. Anything sent after the last deadline (May 26, 11:59PM CST) will be rolled into Round 6.

Also, this will probably be the last big push before Snoop decides he’s going to need dentures. After Monday’s deadline, we will have to stop issuing new entry numbers. So if you’ve been debating, NOW is the time to enter if you do not have something dangling in front of Snoop’s choppers already.

Thank you!

Add bookmark:

RLGL Round 4 Results complete, New Racers may enter at any time

Cynthea — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:57:13 +0000

Snoop says, RED LIGHT! Thanks for your patience. We had quite a full day today. Round 4 judging is now complete!

We have a winner in the PB category. *PB entries may still compete for the glory of making it the end and getting some feedback when this whole thing is done. *

NEW RACERS: Visit this post for full details on how this game is played.

An asterisk next to your X means Snoop is just looking for reasons to eat your work.

Snoop is noticing that a lot of picture books are coming in as short-story/older works posing as picture book manuscripts. Please check out our Revision 9-1-1 article for picture books for other reasons why your submissions might be getting eaten.

Novelists/Longer-Work people: are you checking your pages to make sure your characters aren’t totally woe-is-me, down-on-themselves-or-haters in the opening pages? Your characters don’t have to be all happy and friendly, but they do need to show some redeeming qualities for Snoop to want to read about them.

Also, are you taking the LONG route to get to the point? Make sure you’re moving the story forward. Snoop has a huge feeling a lot of works in Round 5 are going to meet an untimely death by-way-of-giant-incisors if you don’t do something to tighten the pacing. Cut out stuff that doesn’t need to be there. Or CHOMP-CHOMP-CHOMP!

Number	Type	Send in next 250 words	Back to start – Rd4
1	YA	X*
2	PB
4	PB		X
6	YA	X
8	YA	X
9	YA
10	MG
12	MG
16	MG		X
18	YA
23	MG	X*
25	MG		X
27	MG	X*
29	YA
31	YA	X*
32	PB
33	PB
40	CB
42	MG	X*
44	MG	X*
47	MG	X*
49	YA		X
52	MG	X*
55	PB
57	MG	X*
59	MG	X
61	MG
67	MG	X
70	MG	X*
72	MG
85	MG	X
87	MG	X
88	MG	X*
91	MG	X*
95	YA
97	CB	X*
98	YA	X
99	MG	X
102	MG	X*
106	PB	WINNER
111	MG
116	YA	X*
118	MG		X
120	MG		X
123	MG		X
125	PB	X*
127	CB	X*
128	YA
129	YA
130	MG	X*
134	YA	X*
135	MG	X
137	PB		X
138	MG		X
139	YA	X
140	YA	X
142	PB	X
143	MG	X
144	YA	X*
145	CB		X
146	CB	X*
148	YA	X
149	YA	X*
153	MG	X
154	MG	X*
155	PB		X
156	CB		X
157	PB	X*
158	MG	X*
159	YA	X
160	PB		X
161	YA	X*
162	PB	X*
163	PB		X
164	PB		X
165	PB		X
166	MG	X*
167	MG	X
168	PB		X
169	PB		X
170	CB		X

Thanks and good luck in the next round!

SNOOP SAYS, Green Light! The deadline for Round 5 is Wednesday, May 26th, 11:59PM CST.

Add bookmark:

RLGL Results: Round 3 Complete, New Racers may enter at any time

Cynthea — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:45:52 +0000

Snoop says, RED LIGHT. All Round 3 entries submitted before May 23, 11:59PM CST deadline have been judged.

NEW RACERS: Visit this post for full details on how this game is played.

CURRENT RACERS: If you do not see a judgment for your entry, it is probably because Snoop’s records show you missed the last deadline. Your page will be judged in the next round.

If you believe an error was made and you turned in your page on time (before May 23, 11:59PM CST), please forward your submission to sub AT cynthealiu DOT com and explain the situation.

An asterisk next to your X means Snoop is just looking for reasons to eat your work. Tighten your pages!

Number	Type	Send in next 250 words	Back to start – Rd3
1	YA	X
2	PB	X
4	PB	X*
6	YA	X*
8	YA	X*
9	YA	X*
10	MG
12	MG	X*
14	PB		X
16	MG	X*
18	YA	X*
23	MG	X
24	YA		X
25	MG	X*
27	MG	X*
29	YA
31	YA	X*
32	PB
33	PB
36	YA		X
40	CB	X
42	MG	X
44	MG	X*
47	MG	X*
49	YA	X*
52	MG	X*
55	PB
57	MG	X*
59	MG	X*
60	PB		X
61	MG	X
64	YA		X
67	MG
70	MG	X*
72	MG	X
85	MG	X
87	MG	X*
88	MG	X*
91	MG
93	YA		X
95	YA
97	CB	X*
98	YA	X
99	MG	X*
102	MG	X
106	PB
111	MG	X
116	YA	X*
117	MG		X
118	MG	X*
120	MG	X*
123	MG	X*
125	PB	X*
126	PB		X
127	CB	X
128	YA	X*
129	YA	X
130	MG	X*
131	PB		X
132	PB		X
133	PB		X
134	YA	X*
135	MG	X
136	PB		X
137	PB	X*
138	MG	X*
139	YA	X
140	YA	X
141	PB		X
142	PB	X
143	MG	X*
144	YA	X*
145	CB	X*
146	CB	x
147	PB		X
148	YA	X
149	YA	X*
150	PB		X
152	PB		X
170	CB	X*

If you do not see your number listed here, it means 1) Snoop may have eliminated your entry in previous rounds. Check other rounds to see if this is true. 2) Snoop may have replied to you but his email landed in your SPAM box. Check there for an email from us first before contacting him. 3) Snoop may have messed up. Kindly re-forward your entry to sub AT cynthealiu DOT com and explain the situation. Finally, if you believe Snoop is not receiving any of your emails, you may leave a comment below and Snoop can reply there.

SNOOP SAYS, GREEN LIGHT!

The deadline for Round 4 is Monday, May 24, 11:59PM CST. If you passed, you may go ahead and send in your next 250 words. If you did not, you may try another work. Please do not title NEW entries with old entry numbers. You will get a new number when Snoop begins judging for Round 4. Thanks!

Add bookmark: