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I never expected to get so much critique over posting about the availability of a free review from a professional editor. These forums are a fascinating mix of people - some so cranky and argumentative they must wait around for someone to post anything they can latch onto and argue over.  A lot of the time, I avoid reading the forums if I see certain names popping up.

A few months ago someone else on this site posted a very whiny, negative post about how the forums are dead and boring. I then posted a link to a video about writing which inspired me and she then knocked it down as 'middle school level' information - if people want a forum they can interact in, maybe they should change how they interact!

However, I have to say I disagree with you, Jube. I would much rather go to Richard Bradburn for professional editing. There are books listed on his testimonials page. I think it would be far more useful to have his experience editing my work than someone like Ann Everrett who may have published some books but has never edited (I think) professionally for someone else before. I'm not looking for an editor right now, but if I was, he would be near the top of my list. I read through a lot of his Opening Lines analyses and found he makes well-thought out arguments about what works and what doesnt.

However, I didn't recommend his as an editor to anyone. I just suggested that people may want to get his free, professional opinion. After all - we're all paying to receive unprofessional feedback from each other on this site - very few of us are published and have more than a couple of hours to dedicate to writing, while it is his full time job so he will have much more experience and knowledge about the industry.

Finally - I too am struggling to get time for tNBW too (although I somehow managed to find time to write this this morning...) but hope it will be easier now that winter is almost here and outdoor activities will become less appealing.

Glad to hear it, Debbie. Hope it helps you too!

For me, the reason I would want to attempt querying agents before attempting to self-publish is that ideally, they would do a lot of the work for you - they have the expertise in an area that i don't. I don't have enough free time as it is for writing so I don't want to waste that time learning the skills involved in being a self-publisher.

that's amazing that someone is earning 1k with their books but I imagine the average person is making a loss with self-publishing when you consider the costs included in doing it like getting editing, cover art, etc.

I've given myself the deadline of 31/12/2018 to finish editing Being Fifteen. After that, the only work i'm allowed to do with it is sending query letters to agents. after no response by August, 2019, I'll start to think about self-publishing but if I do it, I want to do it properly so will really invest time in learning the necessary skills.

On this point - what are people doing when they receive these reviews? I always feel compelled to reciprocate, but when I receive thirteen of these types of reviews in a row, it seems like a huge amount of effort to respond to them! Do people reciprocate? Do you put in your usual effort of an hour per review? Or do a superficial review similar to what youreceived? I'd be tempted to do the latter due to time constraints...but feel guilty for giving a poor review!

Congratulations - looks great on Amazon!

Christine, you just need to make them inactive. They won't appear for anyone else to view, but you'll still be able to access the content & reviews.

Great! It is so much easier to review shorter chapters, even if they don't end at the natural chapter's end!
Although it was nice to see my points jump by more than five after reviewing that one!

Welcome back Gacela & welcome to the group C.E.!
Sorry to hear you've been through another bad relationship - believe me, there are tons of good guys out there. They may not come across as so charming or exciting as the bad guys at first, but the good guys are wonderful too!

Rhiannon, I love your no BS attitude!
It'll be great to have a fresh perspective around!

The site has changed lately. The first reviews I received on this site were so warm and encouraging even though I had no idea how to use punctuation, POV, grammar, etc. but lately, I've noticed really harsh and discouraging reviews given to new people including words like 'lame' and 'unreadable'. Thank goodness for Ann and Marilyn and some others who always give welcoming reviews. Where has the supportive, encouraging community gone?