Yesterday (saturday 2nd April 2011) I received my feedback from my course tutor. I was quite anxious although I was excited to see what she would say about my second assignment. Here's what she said...
"Hi, Katie. Thank you for sending me your second assignment - I can see that a lot of research and hard work have gone into this.
1. Fine - extensive, in-depth market research invariably pays off.
2. The outline was generally and should serve the dual purpose of helping you plan the structure of the article and giving you something to submit to an editor to intrigue them and prompt them to ask to see the finished piece.
3. Your response to question three was a lively and thought-provoking article packed with wry comments and inspiration moments. You should usually try for dramatic effect in the opening paragraphs, as you really need to grab your readers' attention at this stage, or you've lost them. You need to be more sparing in your use of exclamation marks, as using them so liberally denotes an amateur rather than a professional writer. Do bear in mind that it substantially increases your chances of being published to decide on, tone a specific publication before actually writing a piece. You can then tailor it with regard to subject, approach, length, style ,tone etc. Writing something first then looking for a market for it, is the wrong way round. I think you should submit it after another revision. Good luck and let me know how you go on.
When submitting work to editors, don't forget to put your name and the title (usually abbreviated on all but the first page) at the head of each sheet. I look forward to receiving your next assignment."
It is really constructive and helpful to read the tutors comments. My heart was pacing when I read the submitting the piece after a revision (basically just correcting a few errors) as this is a dream to see my writing in print. For her to say at this stage and remember it is only the second assignment this one, is such a brilliant encouragement and gives me total satisfaction to believe in myself.
I will let you know what happens when I send it to the publication and I hope you will enjoy, learn and find my article inspiring if you buy a copy.
Well done Katie, thats really good to hear.
ReplyDeleteIm am waiting to get my 2nd assignment back. I am also excited but a bit worried about what the tutor will say, as im not sure if it was good enough, im hoping so.
Once again well done, i would love to read it when it is published if u could let me know which mag it is going to be in. Jaki x