Just wondering what people's thoughts are on mentioning Writewords in a submission.

Would it be useful to point out that you had other writers including published novelists provide feedback on your work?

And how would you describe it? A writers circle? Online writing forum, which is what WW technically is, doesn't seem to capture it's true feel as 99.99% of online forums for writers are complete shite.

I did read on an Agent's blog - might have been Editorial Anonymous - that mentioning you are a member of a critiquing writers forum was a good thing, as it meant your ms has been double checked by one's peers prior to submission. But, that's the personal preference of a US agent, and probably doesn't hold true for the UK - especially some UK agents who have no idea what online writers forums are all about, and think they are little more than sites for blogging.


- NaomiM

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...in which case, it's probably only worth mentioning it if you've read on the Agent's blog that that particular agent knows what online writers forums are.

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Or maybe only mention it if the agent has heard of Write Words.

Cheers for that Naomi, I guess it could all depend on how I word it. Thinking about it some agents might feel a little wary when you start mentioning that you've shared your writing on the net. So maybe omitting that bit and called it a society or organization or some-such might help.

Yes, I think you're probably right Geoff: drop the 'online' bit and say it's a writers critiquing group, or something. I'm sure someone can coin a good phrase for it.

How about

Writers support circle/community

Critiquing collective

Wordsmith Support Programme

Writers Anonymous Support Network

:S

Writers Anonymous Support Network

- does that come with chocolates and red wine?

I think, probably the only Agent to whom it's worth mentioning Writewords is Simon Trewin, who I believe is a WWmember.

Yes, I'd agree with Naomi - they mostly really don't know what goes on in online forums, and get terribly twitchy if they think what they're reading has been out in the wilds of the Net.

I remember reading that about mentioning that you're a critiquing group, on the other hand Miss Snark always took the view that how you got the work to how it is - group, editorial report, whatever - wasn't relevant and she wasn't interested, any more than you tell your date all the details of how you shaved your legs and got your hair like that.

Emma

Hmm, that would certainly explain my appalling dating history, Emma ...

==:O

A
xxx