Now that this year’s class of Pitch Wars mentees has been announced, I’m sure there’s a lot of disappointment going around. That’s valid. It sucks not being chosen. Trust me, I know. I’ve been there. I had zero requests when I entered way back in ye olden times of 2015. I moped for a while, then turned an introspective eye toward my manuscript and kept writing. Hopefully you will too!

What helped keep me going was one of the mentors I’d submitted to offering an open call for feedback. It wasn’t much, but it was a nice boost to point me in the right direction. This year, I’m hoping to take a page from their book and pay it forward.

This coming Sunday, November 15, from 2 until 4 pm EST I’ll be holding an open call for feedback on Twitter.

I’ll have my DM’s open on Twitter, here, during that time period. If you subbed to me and would like feedback on your entry, send me a Direct Message containing the title of your entry and the name you entered under (if different from your Twitter profile). I’ll respond with the notes I took when reading your entry.

The disclaimer here is that said feedback is likely to be brief. No more than a few sentences, at best. It’s also very likely to contain the phrase “Not connecting with the voice,” as this was by far the most common reason I had for passing on an entry. That whole ‘subjectivity’ angle again. It’s not you, it’s me. Honest. (Seriously, it really is.)

Now, before you ask, “Gee, Ian, why did you make a Star Wars reference in the title but use a Star Trek gif, you fucking nerd, you?”

Oh, wait, that’s not what you were going to ask?

*cough*

Let me try again.

Now, before you ask, “Gee, Ian, that’s such a narrow window. Can’t you do something about that?” I know it is, and I’m sorry. I’d love to say “Hey, if you want feedback, poke me whenever,” but I can’t. There’s simply not enough time for me to entertain that open-ended an option. I’m hoping by announcing this the better part of a week in advance and setting it on a weekend, those interested in feedback can find a way to make it work.

I know it’s not much, but I hope it helps.

Once more with feeling!

TL;DR: November 15, 2-4 pm EST. DM me on Twitter with your title and name, and I’ll send you notes.