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Putting public query and first page critiques on pause

July 11, 2024 by Nathan Bransford

Over the years I’ve done hundreds of query and first page critiques, and I have to be honest that I’m losing some steam on them.

Particularly with the query critiques, I feel like I’m running out of ways to say variations of “needs to be more specific!” and “losing sight of what is and isn’t on the page!”, which applies to about 80-90% of the queries. I could hunt for more interesting “problems,” but that brings its own challenges.

I’m going to put these critiques on hold for the time being. I realize these have consistently been one of the more popular category of posts over the years, but at the very least I think I need a break from them to refresh and see if I can find a way to bring a version of these critiques back in a way I feel excited about.

This does not apply to private critiques, and please still reach out to me if you need help with your query.

Your ideas and feedback welcome here! And thanks for understanding.

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my online classes, my guide to writing a novel and my guide to publishing a book.

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Art: Ascensión de un globo Montgolfier en Aranjuez by Antonio Carnicero

Filed Under: Critiques

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shayne Huxtable says

    July 11, 2024 at 6:00 pm

    I’ve enjoyed reading your critiques. I’ve learned a lot from you. So thank you for all the wise advise. Cheers

  2. Neil Larkins says

    July 11, 2024 at 8:07 pm

    Your critiques have been a benefit to me as well. They have presented challenges to my writing that I continue working on.
    My weakness is wordiness. To be specific and concise at the same time is…..
    Thanks!

  3. Adele Annesi says

    July 12, 2024 at 6:18 am

    I admire the candor and courage needed to realize that a break is needed, especially from something that gains a lot of attention. It’s a good object lesson 🙂

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About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors achieve their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

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How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp

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