Saturday, June 16, 2012

My Skype Critique - Mira Reisberg Works Her Magic


Dr.Mira Reisberg


Dr. Mira Reisberg is an award-winning art professor, a children’s book illustrator and author with over 30 years of experience teaching. She does individual consultations for writing, art and illustrating. For more information on her expertise and testimonials click here.






      I’m excited to share with you my Skype critique experience with the fabulous Picture Book Whisperer, Dr. Mira Reisberg.
   
     I used Skype twice in my life but I had never participated in a Skype critique and was a little nervous about the process. That being said, I have to admit I had a wonderful time listening to what Dr. Mira Reisburg had to say about improving my picture book.
    I decided to send Mira one of my manuscripts that received positive feedback from a few houses and one agent. My manuscript intended to be humorous and I felt it was missing some guidance in that area. I knew it needed a lot more work and I was confident that this would be the manuscript that would most benefit from Mira's critique. 


    During the session I found Mira to be laid back, sweet and most importantly very talented in what she does. I wasn’t sure how much we were going to get done within the hour but she pointed out all the spots that needed work. She eliminated useless wording and even took out an irrelevant character. I agreed with 100% of her suggestive changes and I even had one of those hand-slapping-head-moments. Okay, I admit I had two or three of them. 
    Before Mira was finished with my session she read my story out loud. I think I smiled the whole time, being so impressed with the outcome. With a slight change to just one of the words she had me laughing out loud to my own story. You can totally tell Mira has a knack for helping others and loves what she does. Last but not least, Mira suggested key wording for my cover letter. If I wanted extra help with the entire cover letter Mira also offers her services for that too! I’m looking forward to using her again, hopefully in the near future.

Thank you Mira for transforming my picture book into something I now love.

Find out more about Dr. Mira Reisberg below:

26 comments:

  1. Yay. I'm glad that the critique went well. It's amazing that someone can suggest one little thing and completely change a story for the better. I'm sure you will be able to take what you learned and apply it to your next story.

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    1. Thanks Rena! Yeah, I definitely took away constructive advice to use for future mss.

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  2. What a good feeling Jennifer when someone reads your work helps you through some rough spots. I love that you were laughing and enjoying your piece. Thanks you Ladies, great job Jennifer.

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    1. Yes, absolutely especially when you know your story needed it. Thanks for the kind words Cheryl.

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  3. It sounds like it was well worth it. It's amazing the help that a professional perspective can provide. I can't wait to hear that someone has accepted your piece.

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    1. I agree, it is well worth it to hire a professional like Mira. Thank you for all your support and encouragement Kirsten!

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  4. So glad you had a great experience!

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  5. Wow, that's wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I hope this manuscript finds a home soon!

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    1. Hi Tina, I was happy to share this experience. Thank you for your encouraging words and for stopping by!

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  6. Mira is in my SCBWI region, and I had the pleasure of standing next to her (okay, her back was facing me) while browsing the books at the book table, at our last conference. What a fabulous experience for you!! I can only imagine how fast that manuscript is going to sell! Congrats!

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    1. OH, and by the way, your blog makeover is BEAUTIFUL!!

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    2. Oh neat Bethany! I would have loved to meet Mira in person a the SCBWI. Thank you so much for your continuous support and kind words about my bloggy and manny <---yes, I stole your word :)

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    3. Bethany - I love your posts. Introduce yourself next time OK. I'd love to meet you.

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  7. That's wonderful, Jennifer. I didn't know you could get skype consultations. Another set off experienced eyes is awesome.

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    1. Thanks Catherine! Me neither, I was so clueless how it worked but it was a fun and interesting experience - thanks to Mira.

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  8. Skype critiquing is awesome. We do that with someone in my crit group on the regular basis. Thanks for introducing us to Mira! :)

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    1. That's great to know you have success for your regular critique sessions. I think it would be neat to try with my own as well. so glad you stopped by!!!

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  9. It reminds me of the shifting views, when hiking through a canyon-carved desert in Utah - just one step further alters our perception. Thanks for sharing your experience Jen. Best of luck with publishing your story!

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    1. Beautiful analogy and you are absolutely right. Thanks for the support Julie! :)

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  10. Jennifer - What a wonderful and generous post. Thank you. It was pretty obvious that I loved working with you too and look forward to celebrating your future successes!!! Really!

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    1. That just made my day Mira! Thank you so much for your kind words and all your help once again.

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  11. Jennifer, thanks for sharing your skype critique. This is my first time hearing of this tool being used this way. Yaay, for technology. I'm glad you were able to get a talented pair of eyes on your work and are pleased with the end result. Well done, you.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Pam and for your visit :)

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  12. Hi Jennifer,
    I'm only just now seeing this post...I'm glad I discovered it! Mira sounds like a gem...I'll have to look into her Picture Book Academy and her critiquing services. :)

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  13. Hi Jennifer,

    I'm only just now seeing this post...and I'm glad I did!
    Mira sounds like a gem! I'll have to look into her Picture Book Academy and her critique services...the Skype critique sounds like it would really work well!

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