The conference was excellent. Admission included a fifteen-minute critique, which brings me to the subject of this post. I have some advice for my fellow critiquers:
1. Have a pen and paper handy. The editor was speaking as I rifled through my laptop bag for the thin notepad that I had tucked inside it. My laptop bag has so many compartments, I couldn't find it. Flustered, I grabbed a piece of paper, flipped it over and started taking notes on the backside. I wish I had the pen and notepad in my hand when I sat down.
2. Bring extra manuscripts with you. This probably isn't necessary for a fifteen-minute critique, but I've had twenty-five minute critiques that ended early. One editor at the Falling Leaves Retreat asked me if I had anything else she wanted me to look at.
3. Prepare your pitches. For longer critiques, you might have some time to pitch additional manuscripts. At the Falling Leaves Retreat, someone told me they pitched one. She said you could use the critique time however you wished.
4. You might be able to tape it. Someone at the Beachside Retreat in Florida told me she asked the editor if she could tape the critique session. The answer was yes.
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