I’ve been full steam ahead on preparation for #PitchWars this week. I finished my rewrite of BLOOD LIKE ROSES (clocking in at ~86k in 17 days) and sent it to the people I trust most to tell me what they think about it, sent off my query for a mentor critique, and drafted my synopsis. Even if I don’t get in, I’m relieved to have these drafted, and to be a step closer for querying before the school year begins (I go back to work on MONDAY).
Of course, THE END was just the beginning. I had it printed (at the UPS store, because there was no way our ancient printer was going to handle 330 pages!) and I went through it with my trusty felt-tipped pens and cleaned up the plot holes, inconsistencies (people kept switching eye colors on me), and anything else that needed polishing up. And I feel…ready? Or as ready as I can be right now?
I’ve dipped my toes into the PitchWars community and already met some amazing fellow writers of YA Fantasy. We’ve swapped queries and first chapters and it feels really good to be dusting off my critique skills and to get fresh eyes on my work.
I know a lot of other people are ALSO prepping for PitchWars and beyond right now, so I thought I’d share the resources that have been most helpful for me beyond the resources listed on their site.
Resources for Pitching/Querying/etc!
- Susan Dennard’s Writing Resources are a literal goldmine. Click here for her lessons for revision and her 1-page synopsis guide.
- Patrice Caldwell on shutting out the cooks.
- Steph & Stacey’s Critiquing Cheatsheet
If you’re prepping for PitchWars, what resources have been helpful for you? Share in the comments!