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Offering One Free Profession Full Critique From A Prizewinning Writer - Apply Below

laureatePosted for Everyone to comment on, 5 years ago2 min read

So as we get closer to launching the @laureate awards, we've got a nice surprise for one ambitious writer. Our short story judge Alex Keegan is offering one Whaleshares writer a professional critique of a story... for free!

alex keegan.jpg

Alex has published numerous books, won countless first prizes, judged competitions and runs creative writing workshops. He's also a sharp critic. Normally selling his story critiques to talented emerging writers, he's offered us one freebie so we can see the quality of his work.

Famed for his no nonsense assessments, he uses a grading system for stories. I'll let him describe how his system works.

A typical critique involves a point-score and details for Opening, Character, Dialogue/Voice, Plot, Theme, Seduction (Show-Tell) Pace and Pacing, Ending and Bonus (covering odd bits that don't fit the previous).
This produces a score. Bad stories score under 85, decent stories 86-109, just about publishable stories 110-plus, winners 125 or so.
Stories from the Best American Short Stories anthology score 135-195 and genius work 200

If you want genuine feedback about how good your work really is compared to professional writers, and advice on how to improve your chances of selling or winning competitions, this is a wonderful opportunity. But be warned...

Just to say, I am honest. People call me brutal because I will not sugar-coat

This isn't for the faint hearted or those looking for an ego boost. It's for people who seriously want to get better. If you're selected, we'll show some excerpts from the critique and the story. You'll be able to remain anonymous if you like and the full text will be password protected in a special document exclusively for members of @scribbleguild to read.

If you have a suitable short story (your best work, and between 2k and 4k words) leave a message below in the first instance and we'll get the ball rolling...

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