Do you want me to reject your book?

[Brian]

On a forum that I frequent, an author lamented that his submission to an agent was rejected via form letter that didn't give any feedback. His pain motivated me to add a new service to my blog:

Submit the first few chapters of your book to me at submissions@brianwfoster.com and I'll tell you why I would reject it if I were an agent or publisher.

Caveats:

1. I am not an agent or publisher. My opinion is free, and you're getting what you pay for.
2. The rejection will be posted on my blog. I will not, however, refer to your name or the name of your book without explicit permission from you (If I do have that permission, please include that in the email). Same goes for excerpts.
3. Note that I will be rejecting your work. Harshly.
4. I can handle no more than (and if I get innundated probably less than) one submission per week.

You can check out my first rejection here: http://www.brianwfoster.com/my-first-...

[[deleted user]]

Hey--I just wanted to let you know I read your first rejection and think what you're doing is incredible. A lot of writers get glowing praise from friends or family, and form letter rejections from the publishing industry. It's hard to know how to improve when no one tells you what you're doing wrong. You spelled it out here and, honestly, I didn't think you were that harsh.

Oh, and uh...this is a service you absolutely COULD charge for.

[Brian]

Elle,

Thanks both for your kind words and for reading it.

I tried to be honest without being brutal, and I'm glad that attitude seemed to come through. My intention is definitely to help. Without my writing group, editors, and excellent beta readers who told me exactly, in detail, what I was doing wrong, I wouldn't be where I am.

Thanks again!

Brian

[Rodney]

Brian,

What a great service you offer.

I just read part of the first rejection and found no reason to continue. You know what I mean.

Good authors are always learning and you've jumpstarted this author's understanding of where his craft lies on the continuum.

The term "brutally honest" is really a great way of saying "honest".

Great job.


Rodney

[Brian]

Rodney,

I'm gratified to hear that the service is appreciated. It's amazing how few requests I've gotten. As an author myself, I love any chance to get good, honest feedback.

Thanks for responding!

Brian

[Charles]

Great idea.

[Brian]

My cupboard is currently bare. Next week, I'll be able to post the first person to submit a book. Send it to submissions@brianwfoster.com.

If you don't mind me using excerpts, please indicate that in the email. If not, I will include nothing in the post that can identify your submission.

Here's the latest one: http://www.brianwfoster.com/weak-open...

Thanks.

Brian

[[deleted user]]

Brian wrote: "My cupboard is currently bare. Next week, I'll be able to post the first person to submit a book. Send it to submissions@brianwfoster.com.

If you don't mind me using excerpts, please indicate tha..."

Is your cupboard still bare? If you're willing to take a genre-leap, I might have something for you to reject. Mainly, I just can't stand to see this service go unused...

[Brian]

I'm good for this week, but still no submissions for next week.

I think everyone is focused on getting their 50k words for the month...