free-tiques
E-mail This Page
What are free-tiques?
First, please note free-tiques are only offered when a round is open. Read on for more details.
Free-tiques are free critiques I give to writers who want to go through the C Liu Wringer, a phrase coined by my critique buddy Tammi Sauer. The C LIU Wringer is a hard look at your manuscript. This is your opportunity to see what a detailed crit looks like. I only critique full picture books or the first three chapters of your novel (up to 25 pages). For novels, I line-comment the first chapter and give you big picture comments on the rest.
Because the free-tique is free, you are not obligated to look at my work in exchange or pay me. If you find my critique valuable, tell me what you thought. I LOVE PRAISE! It’s the reactions of you writers that keep me going!
I announce free-tiques here on my website about twice a month, sometimes more frequently, sometimes less, depending on Snoop’s mood. A free-tique round could open at anytime. Join my free-tique list to receive notices about free-tiques and other important announcements on cynthealiu.com by email.
When a round is open, always check my website BEFORE you send your manuscript to see if the “the doors” are still open. Doors close pretty quickly so you have to get moving when a round begins! It’s strictly FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. You can not hold a spot. You must sub your work to secure a slot. Also, by submitting to me, you swear to the solumn critiquee oath.
The Solemn Critiquee Oath
- I shall not shed a single tear upon reading the results of my free-tique
- I shall remember I am asking for only one opinion. That is all.
- I shall not take any comments personally as Cynthea can be insulting and
- I shall allow Snoop the opportunity to consume the ms if he so wishes.
Your critiques are private. Your works will not be shared with anyone but me and Snoop.
Special Free-tique rounds
Sometimes Snoop and I will offer special free-tique rounds. They might be…
- Traffic Cop - I look at your first page only (this is HALF a double-spaced page, like it would be in a manuscript). While I read that page, Snoop studies my face and then gives you one of three colors: red, yellow, or green. The signals indicate whether or not I found the first page compelling enough to want to read page two. Traffic Cop is a lightning round; judgments are made quickly–just like a slush-pile editor might when it’s Friday night, the gang is meeting up in ten minutes in a chic Manhattan bar, and there are still 5,000 more manuscripts to review.
- Reserved Slot - these require more work than just emailing me your ms. So READ any instructions for reserved slot rounds CAREFULLY.
- Red Light, Green Light (RLGL)- Snoop lets competitors race to the finish line by submitting pages sequentially in rounds. Players who fail to keep Snoop engaged at each round, go back to the start line to try again with another work. First players to cross the finish line (based on number of pages) win reserved slots. Players with novels or chapter books can participate in Bonus Play for a chance to win a FULL-TIQUE. <–This is the grand-poobah of free-tique prizes - a critique of your entire manuscript. Other players who’ve reached the finish line during competition can also stand-by and compete for reserved slots that free up during Bonus Play. RLGL is the ultimate Free-tique challenge!
- Firedrill - Your house is on fire. So is your laptop. But fortunately a hard-copy of your manuscript is right beside it. Oh, no–it’s ablaze. You stamp it out, then clutch what remains of your book as you flee the building. Now what scene do you hope survived the catastrophe? What scene do you never want to write again (six pages maximum)? Think again. Winners of this round will receive a free-tique on their very best scene.
- Office Hours - Snoop puts on this white coat and stethoscope, steps into his office, and answers questions from his patients. You may ask any question about your writing or the children’s fiction writing world. His hours are limited so you have to move fast.
Who can participate in free-tiques?
Some rounds are only open to “new” tiquees (people I’ve never worked with before) and some rounds have slots for re-tiquees, too. Re-tiquees are writers who have participated in a three-chapter or full PB free-tique. I’ve critiqued works of newbie writers and well-published authors. I’ve looked at every kind of thing you could possibly submit to an editor including synopses and query letters. I DO NOT however critique NON-FICTION works or works written by anyone below the age of eighteen. Nor do I critique works that are currently being reviewed by agents or editors. Sorry guys, but rules are rules! Now get your work together and get ready for the next free-tique round. Happy revising!
I’ve won a reserved slot. How do I get my free-tique?
Redeem your free-tique slot before it expires.
If possible, dig up the email or paste in the evidence that indicates you won a free-tique reserved slot. Provide that to me along with A) Your ATTACHED first three-chapters (25 pages max) and a synopsis (the synopsis doesn’t have to be formal - just tell me what happens). Or B) Your ATTACHED full PB. MICROSOFT WORD or WORKS only please.
Then ask me nicely if Snoop and Cynthea have the time to help. If you have any specific things you want evaluated include that as well. Let me know when you hope to get the free-tique returned to you. You’ll receive an email back with my answer and an approximation of when I can get back to you. I will do everything I can to fit you in quickly.
What is a quick-crit?
A quick-crit is a short critique that usually only gives the biggest impressions Cynthea and Snoop had about your work. They are often offered during RLGL rounds to all participants. These critiques are usually a couple of lines to a couple of paragraphs long, depending on the work.
Is winning a free-tique round something I should include in my query letters?
As much as Snoop would like everyone to believe that he is world-famous, Cynthea must deflate his ego and say, “No, you should not include any mention of your success in a free-tique round in your query letters.” You’ll have many agents and editors going, “What the heck is a free-tique?” It’s best you have them focused on your pitch and your writing instead. You can, however, freely celebrate your victories on your blog, with your family, your writing buddies, and your pets if they care to listen.
