A couple of days ago Damien Isaak posted a question "Cover letter. Go for it.. Tell me good or bad" and added "Just give it to me straight....."
I took time and care, recognising that on some points my view is biased, to give as honest and positive a response as possible.
I did not expect my comments to be liked but I hoped that they would provoke thought and, possibly, be of some positive benefit.
I have re-submitted some amended work and asked for comment.
While the response "Damien Isaak1 hour ago
David the fishmonger Butcher.
Would you like to borrow my WPB I have room..." might be seen as humorous is it useful, positive or informative?
I have no objection to being criticized for my work and often find even negative criticism useful when it can be applied to achieve improvemnt. Positive comment that helps me to develop my work is even more useful.
Just being told that anything is "great" is very pleasant: but it doen't do much to help me to develop.
So, what do we want on here? Unbridled praise or to be "given it straight"?
Perhaps Damien would like to explain why my effort should go straight into the WPB or, possibly, what would improve it?
Then again I would really like comments from anyone that would be kind enough to take a look.
David
The title is quite clear - Ask A Question. Following that should be a query relating to that which we all love most. There are plenty of other forums on the web for you to exercise your handbag swing, gentlemen. I'm pleased to say this has never been one of those places.
You'll note the highest users on this site don't submit work for comment. Adrian uses a professional editor and Jonathan and I use trusted beta readers. We ask questions here either because of genuine queries or to provoke discussion. Adrian is particularly good at placing fresh food for thought on the questions section and it is always our hope new users will join the conversation, agree, disagree, add their ideas and help everyone learn. I am disappointed to see members posting a 'He said this, she said that' as a new topic for conversation. Yes David, we do mean what we say on this site. Therefore you can be sure I mean it when I say this particular 'question' being at the top of the list makes a bad impression on new users. Please restrict a complaint to the original thread, personal messaging or other social media.
I have nothing against members seeking criticism on this site if that is what they would like to do and there are a few members who give excellent feedback, but I would ask everyone to respect the questions section and not clutter our 'wall' with disputes. The more members we have joining the conversation, the more in-depth and useful our discussions can become. Please help to grow an effective and welcoming community here at W & A.
David,
Yes you are right I did put such a post addressed to you. First let me point out this was sent in jest, the same manner that I took your comments when you replied to my post so if I have offended you in any way then please except my apology.
Your right I did ask for people to be up front about my post and I believe everyone did just that.. But your post was in my opinion abrupt and very much to the point of a insult to my intelligence rather then my work. This did not bother me in the slightest and I did thank you for your advice at the time.
David this is what you put
Let me put it this way...
While I am not a contender for the job... If I were and I received this letter - it would go straight on the "no" pile after the first paragraph.
This paragraph (in my opinion) tells me all I need to know - and more... much more.
You are seeking represntation - that's fine. I think that you might add a not too eager reason why you would like "name" to do it. Have you been refered to him (In which case you might say by whom - this would be preferable to the name dropping you do use).
A very subjective dislike - I can't stand the title: it has been worn through over decades.
I'm not going to do any more butchery of this paragraph here: it would be unreasonable.
I think, however, that you have told him/her what it is about (on which he/she will proabably make a very instant decision with regard to the market place. Then you go on to tell pretty much the whole story in a number of paragraphs.
Okay, "name" will know what the story is about - but have you told him what the "zing" is in it - or better still - told her what zing will grab the readers - and tell them to tell their friends to get their own copy? What is different/special about your book?
Finally. I did a word count check... I was actually surprised that it was less than 1,000 words. To me it read longer. (Very subjective again). I would really recommend trying to create such a letter to fit very strictly within one page.
I would also use the footer to announce the page when it is laying in a pile - that is - I would put you title and pen name in the footer in a very clear (but not large) way. This cheats the pile - it sticks out and catches the eye.
Hope this is helpful
David
My post back
Call a paramedic I've just been beaten to death.
This is what I love about this site. I see what you are saying David and I have put the lot in the bin along with myself lol
The name dropping you refer to Jamie Richards is my editor and a dam good one at that why not add his name ?
You can't stand the title: Your the first to say that and I respect your opinion on that but it will be staying.
some good points that I will take on board Thank you Davie the butcher lol
Damien the corpse.......
Banter from both of us
Me..."Oops pet hate sorry David the butcher"
You... I've achieved pet hate status! ;-)
Me... Not at all. I put your name as DaviE NOT David that's
my pet hate when you get the name wrong.
You... Doh! "Pet hate" was so much more fun... :-)
As you can see this was banter from both sides not one sided like you seem to be making it out to be.
I believe this is a good site with a lot of new writers me included that could do with help so for any offence caused to you I once again apologise.
I would like to also reassure everyone that the post I put on their blog I mean. I am very much new to this site and have just learnt not to have any banter. I hope that this has not offended any one in any way and I apologise if any offence has been taken. I just wanted to put the record straight.
Most people that submit their work are looking for praise. No-one wants to be told that what they have written is rubbish. I am reluctant to do critiques when I have been asked.
I am not an expert but I do have firm opinions, which are based on my research of the English Novel. I believe I have a firm grasp of the aspects of the novel. When I have rarely commented on shared work it is with positive feedback.
There are shared works that receive some, or many comments There are other shared works that receive none. That tells its own story. Either people cannot be bothered to respond, or people think the shared work is awful. There is a third scenario, where newcomers post. They are ignored because they are merely acting out of self-interest and are not regular posters on the site.
A constructive critique on a few points of an authors work is fine. To crush someone who is learning to write is uncalled for. People who share their work are brave to do so and should be respected.