When should I start searching for CP?

[Zachary]

Hey all! I need some writerly advice. I’m currently working on a first draft of a YA fantasy. This isn’t my first manuscript I’ve done, but it IS the first one I plan on seriously querying to agents once I feel revisions go well.

I’m not done with the first draft yet (seven chapters left to write before it’s done—but I’m beginning the journey into the home stretch!), but I was wondering: when is the best time to get some critique partners? Since I’m not done with the first draft yet, should I wait to get in touch with some? Or is it better to start that process as I’m writing?

-Zack

[Keith]

My opinion, for the half cent it is worth: wait until you've gone through your completed draft and have it to the point you feel it can't get any better without help. Unless you're insecure about your writing (as I was) and need an impression if you're off the rails or not.

I've found it's easier to get them to focus on structural elements if the prose is clean. Put it down for a couple of weeks, then come back and do your best to read what is actually on the page. I've heard a lot of people suggest reading it out loud, but have been too chicken to try that myself.

Good luck with it!

[Zachary]

Keith wrote: "My opinion, for the half cent it is worth: wait until you've gone through your completed draft and have it to the point you feel it can't get any better without help. Unless you're insecure about y..."

Thanks for the response!

[Jessica]

I agree wholeheartedly with Keith. A CP is a long term relationship, and you want to make a good first impression :)

The advice I give to my club members is to always always ALWAYS finish your project before you look for anyone to read it. Fix everything you can on your own before you let people see it. Doing that avoids so many problems: your own voice being lost in critiques, losing hope because the critique was unfavorable (it's much harder to give up on a finished product than three chapters or so), pissing off beta readers who are kindly giving you their time...the list goes on. I know I'm rambling, but I'm at the point where I won't look at something that isn't finished, because a book full of simple errors or whole sections missing just drives me nuts. Hopefully my mini-rant was helpful :)

[Zachary]

Jessica wrote: "I agree wholeheartedly with Keith. A CP is a long term relationship, and you want to make a good first impression :)

The advice I give to my club members is to always always ALWAYS finish your pr..."

It definitely was, and it gave me more motivation to continue with this manuscript. I'm itching for feedback but I do want it be as polished as I can get it beforehand. Now I just need to find a good revision strategy... ;)

[Rachel]

I've heard people say that a CP should read on a chapter by chapter basis as it's being written in order to catch anything that might need major changes early on. I personally only have experience with beta readers, so I can't give an experienced opinion on this. I just thought I'd throw that out there as an alternate viewpoint to consider.