Query/First Page Critique

Do you want feedback?

Our next "OA Recommends" interview isn't ready to post yet, but trust me, you'll be really excited when it's ready in June.  So, let's prepare for our next Pass or Pages event for 2021 instead!  Genre reveal is next week and we'll announce the agent panel the following week.  So – now's a great time to get fresh eyes on your query letter or first page, especially if you're hoping to submit your entry for Pass or Pages.

We are accepting entries this week for either your query or your first page [250 words], in any genre.  For a description of how this works, go here.

We have two Mondays between now and when the submission window opens for Pass or Pages, so we can accept the first two requests.  If we receive more than two requests, we will email you and ask if you want critique even after Pass or Pages is completed.  [NOTE: to avoid confusion, this is NOT entry for Pass or Pages.  It IS entry for our blog readers to give feedback on your query or first page.  Pass or Pages entry period begins June 7.]  If you want to submit your query or first page for critique, send us an email formatted as follows:

[Subject:] Query/First Page Critique

The following query or first page is my own work and I give OA permission to post it on the OA blog for the life of the blog.

I commented on OA blog posts on DATE and DATE as [your online ID].

My query or first 250 words:

[Copy/paste your entry here.]

Entry period opens now and closes at the end of the day on Friday May 21, 2021. All entries will receive a confirmation email from us by Sunday May 23, 2021 that acknowledges receipt of your entry and lets you know the date your entry will be included on the blog for critique. If you do NOT receive a confirming email, send us a DM on Twitter and we'll give you alternative instructions for sending us your entry.

Happy writing!