To all of the RT 2013 Authors

Thank You!

To the Adult Writers

My girls were the ones asking you if they were old enough to read your books. Thank you for taking the time to chat with them. You made them feel important. The swag you gave them is proudly displayed on the bookself in my daughter's room. They remember your names, and your books, better than I do. I know that they aren't your readers yet, but you can bet your buttons that they will be. So, thank you for making them look forward to reading in the future.

To the YA Authors

You were awesome personified. My daughter and her friends came away with bragging rights that will last for years. At the bookstore, the youngest points out the books that are yours and remembers exactly what you told them about the plot. (You're costing me a mint!) She remembers each face, and what you said, and how you really listened to her questions. She tells friends that they MUST READ your book because you are so cool. I have never seen happier eighth grade girls. They felt wanted and needed, and felt like their opinions mattered.

They came away from Teen Day feeling great about themselves and looking forward to a summer with your stories. As a mother I thank you. You made my job easier.
,

My Daughter in the Most Awesome Prom Dress Ever

On Editing and Random Stuff

I'm all caught up on the freelance editing I've been doing, so if you need a quick read, I'm available for the next five days. Then, I'll be at the Romantic Times Convention for a week. Fees are as follows:


Query Critique and First Chapter (up to 20 pages)  $30.00

First Three Chapters (up to 45 pages) $50.00

Entire Manuscript Critique $1.00 a page

Emergency Fee to Jump the Queue  $50

For more information on how and what I edit, please see this post.

In which I am interviewed and you can see how rough are my first chapters

So I am interviewed over here http://iniribablog.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/interview-guest-writereditor-julie-butcher/ . Go and see :D

Evil League of Evil Writers: Baby Evil Writers 101: Finding a Reputable Agent #...

Evil League of Evil Writers: Baby Evil Writers 101: Finding a Reputable Agent #...: Baby Evil Writers 101: Finding a Reputable Agent #2 Julie Butcher Last time we talked about finding an agent, we decided that being ...

I Can Tell You Why Your Manuscript Sucks

How can I do this and why would you want to be told such a horrible thing?

Maybe, because you want to find an agent or editor who LOVES YOU DEARLY?

I've found mine and now I'd like to help you find yours. (No, you can't have mine.) So I've started a critique service. Not forever, but for a while.

Why do you think you're any good at this at all?

I've been beta reading since 1990, not only for unpublished authors, but for agented and published ones, too. Quite honestly, I was a terrible reader for the first ten years or so. I was worried about hurting people's feelings, and didn't say when a passage stunk on ice, or when something made me go WTF?! Now I do. This is what you need to improve your writing.

Also, I remember thinking, "I wish someone would just tell me what I'm doing wrong so I can fix it." Seriously, some of you guys are wonderful writers, you have a voice, your sentence structure is strong. But, your pacing sucks, or you just can't quite make your characters come alive for the reader. I can help you with that.

Why would you want to use your time like this when you could be watching Dr. Who or Spiderman?

Quite honestly, I have six kids. Three are in college, and three are in private high school. I'd like them to stay in school, their education is extremely important to me, and that costs a gerjillion dollars.

Why would I want to pay for a critique when I can get one free from my own critique group?

Unless your beta readers are published, or are working with a traditional agent or editor, they don't have the experience to help you. I do.

How much will this cost?

Query Critique and First Chapter (up to 20 pages)  $30.00

First Three Chapters (up to 45 pages) $50.00

Entire Manuscript Critique $1.00 a page

Emergency Fee to Jump the Queue  $50

What do I get for my money?

I'll post notes throughout the manuscript using Word and Track Changes. I'll tell you where, when, and why you're messing up. I'll tell you what you're doing right, and what you shouldn't change. I'll also provide a detailed letter of what I think will improve your work.

Every writer is at a different stage of development. All writers (including me) have problems actually seeing their story because what they've written is colored by what they see in their own mind. The reader doesn't have the benefit of your imagination.

What won't you do?

I will not recommend you to my agent unless I think your book is ready to go into print tomorrow. You should know that I have been with my agent for two years, and have only suggested that she read one writer's work. (While I've read hundreds.)

I don't critique erotica. (For all I know I could be doing it wrong.)

I will not correct your punctuation. You need a line editor for that.

How do I contact you?

You can email me at juliebutcheredits@yahoo.com
You can check out recommendations and *like* my editing page at https://www.facebook.com/JulieButcherEdits
On twitter you can find me at https://twitter.com/Julie_Butcher

I look forward to working with you.