- Be on time for your critique and when
your time is up, be considerate and leave promptly so the next
person's critique can start on time, too.
- Keep your expectations realistic. Chances
are you will not be offered a contract on the spot. However you
may receive suggestions to strengthen your manuscript/illustrations
or perhaps receive an invitation to submit more work. And you
can make a good impression, leaving the agent/editor with the
thought that you are professional and someone he/she would like
to work with.
- Listen more than you talk.
- Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
of the critiquer's comments, if needed.
- For authors, be prepared to sum up your
book in a pithy 2-3 sentences, similar to blurbs on book jackets.
For illustrators, be prepared to discuss your "style."
- Do ask questions such as, "What do
you see as my strengths? What do you see as my weaknesses?"
- Be polite. Thank the editor/agent for
your critique, and perhaps even follow up with a hand-written
thank you note after the conference.
- Be prepared to ask questions which will
help you understand what type of work your critiquer likes, is
looking for, and what you can do to meet his/her standards.
- Don't forget to network with fellow authors
and illustrators (you might want to bring business cards to make
it easy to exchange contact information).
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