Creative Byline Prepares More Review Options for Writers
July
27, 2009--Some of the most enthusiastic messages Creative Byline
receives from its members are about the first reader reviews. “I
learned tremendously valuable techniques from my reviewer,” one said;
others have echoed: “A very thoughtful and detailed review,”
“constructive, helpful, and friendly advice,” and “quick and
informational responses.”
A Creative Byline research project
this spring reinforced that members know that Creative Byline first
readers make a difference to editors. They believe our process keeps
them out of the slush pile of submissions that plague editors who
accept unsolicited manuscripts. And they believe that their manuscripts
are stronger when they submit them. “I like people to tell me what I do
wrong before I submit it!” one said.
“What would be helpful
would be more services to evaluate my writing—some sort of coaching
that would allow my work to develop.” That research participant spoke
for many others who asked for more detailed feedback from people who
know writing.
In response to this and other requests, Creative
Byline has been hard at work developing a range of review options that
to be introduced later this summer. The minimum is a quality
endorsement for editors; the most extensive option for is an in-depth
review of a longer portion of the manuscript, including a telephone
conversation to make sure that feedback is clear.
This expanded
review offering is one of a number of capability enhancements to be
introduced later this summer as Creative Byline exits its beta phase.
To facilitate that introduction, manuscript submissions for review by
Creative Byline first readers or editors will be suspended from August
1 until August 11.