The Writing Ride & Rate Your Story - testimonial from Donna Martin, RYS Fan

After spending all weekend at WHISPERING WOODS, an intimate writing retreat led by Rate Your Story Judge Jill Esbaum and children's author Linda Skeers,  I've returned with a 'ready to revise' mentality.  It's the same mentality that many authors often express after receiving a free critique rating from Rate your Story -- and it's a mentality anyone who wants to be published must be able to launch themselves into (over and over and over and...well, you get the point).

When we revise, we often wonder (draft after draft) if we're truly making our manuscripts better, and ultimately publishable.  For some, having Rate Your Story confirm or deny that suspicion is an irreplaceable service (at RYS, you can send revisions of the same story up to three times).  Today's post is by one of the many writers who feel that way.

Please welcome, Donna Martin!



 Thank you RATE YOUR STORY! 
 By Donna Martin

Beginner writers like to think they know what they are doing. But they don’t. It takes knowing the rules of the writing world to create something which has a chance of becoming published, and novice writers simply don’t know where to start. I know, because I was once one myself.

I made all the foolish, amateur mistakes in my work when I started writing “professionally” in January of 2011. I had been writing for more than 40 years, but kept it hidden from everyone, even friends and family, until a series of dreams forced me to face the realization writing was in my blood to stay. I began to write every day and bought every book on writing I could find.

I participated in Tara Lazar’s Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) challenge in October of 2011 and ended up with 45 ideas, but had no clue where to go from there. Then I read about Julie Hedlund’s 12 X 12 in 2012 where I was challenged to turn those ideas into actual manuscripts. But even then I wasn’t sure what to do with my completed stories. I wasn’t part of any critique groups (something ALL writers should be involved in) and had no publishing connections where I could seek expert advice on improving my writing skills. I was free floating and it was frustrating to me. I knew I had the desire to succeed but desperately needed guidance.

 One day I stumbled across a website talking about being able to submit picture book stories to professional authors and others in the publishing business for feedback. Rate Your Story was the first group I had come across to provide a rating score tied to the strength of the story while giving pointers on how to improve as a writer, and it was a FREE service. I gave it a try and submitted a story. That first story rated a 5 out of 10 and the judge’s advice gave me insight on how to finally start tightening my writing skills.

I continued to submit stories and each time the judge’s feedback gave me valuable tips on areas I could improve. Then one day I received my rating on my latest PB submission. It was a TWO! While I was ecstatic, the perfectionist in me wanted the ONE rating which indicates my story is ready to send out into the world to find a home. I had never really thought of resubmitting my work before but once again I used the judge’s advice to sharpen my story and crossed my fingers as I resubmitted. My final rating? Not one but two ONE ratings from two different judges!

I will always be grateful for the wonderful support and advice I receive from the professionals at Rate Your Story. Not every piece of advice makes sense the first time I read it. The first time I was told my story wasn’t “child centric” enough, I had to Google the word to find out what the judge had meant. Sometimes I receive a suggestion, which might alter my story in a way I wouldn’t feel comfortable with doing. While the advice is free and comes from a professional who cares about my growth as a writer, in the end the story is MY creation and I have to own the decision where it may lead me. I’m just glad Rate Your Story is along for the journey for I am certain the ride would not be the same without them!

Donna L Martin has spent many years hanging out with her cat, Tommy, and perfecting the worlds of her imagination. She writes engaging children's books, middle grade adventures, and young adult novels. When Donna is not training for her Master Fifth Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo or helping run her martial arts school in Tennessee, she is working on her latest writing project. Donna is an active member of SCBWI Midsouth and participates in a variety of online writing communities including 12 X 12 in 2012, PiBoIdMo, WANAtribe, and Children's Book Hub Facebook groups. You can connect with Donna through her website (www.donnalmartin.com), her blog ON THE WRITE TRACK (http://www.donasdays.blogspot.com), Linkedin page (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/donna-l-martin/39/87a/b4a), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/#!/Donasdays) or through email at donasdays (at) gmail (dot) com.

Comments are open!  And don't forget to join us on Wednesday for a guest post from Mira Reisberg!