Writers Workshop???

[Pinkypie]

Anyone ever used Writers workshop?

I'm joined the online community but am not sure if they are good for what they actually promise, which is; reading your manuscript, making suggestions and if good enough, recommending you to an agent?

Thanks in advance xx

[Pinkypie]

Bumping x

[jackthehat]

Doesn't bump............

[Pinkypie]

Ahh I know, but get's it more likely to be seen! Thanks x

[Wak]

Pinky, Have you actually written anything which you think is worth publication yet?

[Wak]

Just another thought, Pinky, Isn't it possible that you may have your ideas or plot stolen if done on line??? or even your whole manuscript!!!!!

[Pinkypie]

The trouble is, I have written for years and am now at the stage that I want to find an agent, but the problem is that before I get on with finding an agent, I just want someone to critique my work who knows the market.

I've done some more research and I think my next step is to write a query letter and ask the Workshop to critique that first as they will do this for free. I may get a feel for their professionalism then.

[Wak]

Pinky. If you have a finished manuscript try here

http://www.publishamerica.com/faqs.htm

They will print/publish your book for FREE.
They did mine.

[DTCwordfan]

depends what you write - I have three vols published and a fourth to be shortly but then it is a particular "genre" - however, I do have friends in the London publishing industry....if you think you are "good" there are ways here we can hook up, pinkypie..

can't promise anything though and also would need to assess what you have written before considering any forwarding - this friend is MD of a major publisher.

the "internet" route has been used by a couple of folk that know to differing results, probably in part a function of their writing.

[Pinkypie]

Thank you for your answers. I write for young children and I'm told that a lot of agents wont take on children's writers as there isn't enough money in it, the prospect of going to publishers is daunting and most wont accept unsolicited manuscripts.

I would love to have some contacts DTcrosswordfan, I'm not sure how good my work stands up to the scrutiny if this business, I know it's a tough one! I've only shown it to family and friends and well, lets be honest, they ARE going to love it!

At the moment I'm reading the Writing for Childrens 2011 yearbook, head hurts already! Writing is easy compared!