1 | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Oh. My. Goodness. I just came across the blog, Rate Your Story, and I seriously had one of those moments where I said, “No way. That can’t be right.” And read it all again, just to make sure.

But yep, here’s the deal: They will rate your story. For FREE. Within 2 weeks or so of submission. How generous is that?

So, yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Who’s this “they” you speak of? Might it be the likes of the Beneficent Mr. Hall and his minions (who, let’s face it, wouldn’t know a critique from a crouton)?

Rate Your Story says: Published writers volunteer their time to read and rate your story. And also: Some judges choose to reveal their identities when critiquing a manuscript they’ve invested a lot of time in, but please don’t expect to know.

Okay, you think, these folks sound like a credible bunch of writers. But why get my work rated? I mean, geez, I have a swell critique group.

Rate Your Story says: Having an outside opinion–from someone sells work to actual publishers–may prove invaluable. Even if you have a critique group, you may wonder: are they just being nice when they say my story is awesome, lovely, sooooo great, etc.?

And now you’re wondering what’s the catch. Because, come on, time is money, right?

Rate Your Story knew you’d wonder, too: We don’t know that there is one, really. But they added this: In the spirit of full disclosure, once your story is rated, you may receive a follow-up note or link offering critique or editing services – provided by one or more of the author judges who volunteer for Rate Your Story. It’s up to you if you’d like to hire a published writer to help revise or critique your story on an in-depth basis. You won’t be spammed, promise.

Okay, so you’ll need the info on how to submit, and you’ll want to read the blog because it has tons of writing take-away tips. And then you’ll want to send your story and get it rated. You might even want to volunteer to rate stories yourself. And P.S. I give this idea a big, fat 1 (which is the best score on their scale).

(Oh! And another P.S. Thanks to Donna L. Martin who mentioned her lovely critique and Rate Your Story!)

I don’t expect everyone loves research, but for me, it’s the thrill of the hunt on the way to the treasure. And I love to pick up gems as I go.

Here’s a post I found in my search for info on editor Diane Landolf (Random House). This little gem, with all kinds of great information on writing a series for children, is courtesy of the SCBWI in Metro New York. I love a post packed with tips and this one is brimming. I also love a succinct post, and this one nails that, too. So if you have a few minutes, you can learn a little something something about series writing and what editors look for in this area.

If you have a few more minutes, you might want to read a few of the feature articles provided by the lovely folks in the Metro New York SCBWI. You’ll find tips from agents, tips on query writing, tips about setting, tips on the digital age. All succinctly written and provided for your perusal.

And here’s my last tip. SCBWI chapters all over the country have swell websites, packed with tips. Many (including my chapter, Southern Breeze), provide an online magazine with all kinds of writing-for-children information. Some, like Metro New York, update a blog regularly for even more tips. And if you’re a member of SCBWI, you’ll have access to even MORE information and tips. Not to mention the opportunity to meet some of the finest children’s writers around.

I mean, as treasure goes, SCBWI is worth its weight in gold.