#CritPit
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gemma-smith.bsky.social
1874 London

🔪 Ada - a medium & fraud, turns to murder, determined to create a real ghost

🪦 Harriet - terrified of spirits, cursed with the ability to hear them

☠️ When her best friend is
Ada’s latest victim, Harriet must seek out the dead to help her hunt the killer

✨Dual POV #critpit #a #hf
A collage of Victorian-era images surrounding the words 'when the dead talk, secrets don't stay buried.' The images include: a woman holding a candle, a policeman finding a body, four images of seances, a woman stalking another woman in the street, and a slum
February 8, 2025 at 11:29 AM
meggauck.bsky.social
💜 to save her late grandma's home, a 18 yo historical reenactor travels back in time and works with a pair of 19th c. inventors to put on fake seances

🖤the "sample" chapters are ready + the full will be done by March

🤍looking for betas or CPs (willing to swap, though i might be slow) #CritPit #YA
meggauck.bsky.social Meg Gauck @meggauck.bsky.social · Jan 24
WIZARD OF OZ x 19th c. Spiritualism

chaotic ace theatre kids ft.
⏱️time traveling as an internship
🔮 conning grieving widows for fun
🖤falling in love with someone already long-dead
♾️lethal time loops
🕯️“this fake séance is brought to you by Spirit Halloween + AAA batteries”

#YouDeservepIt #YA #WIP
3x3 moodboard with predominantly gold and purple hues top row: a candle reflection in a mirror, a dark-haired woman wearing a blank mask, and two people walking through a portrait lined corridor middle row: a porcelain teacup, a golden pocketwatch, and purple flowers bottom row: a hand throwing dust in the air, the skirts of someone running, and a dark-haired woman crying into someone's shoulder
February 8, 2025 at 3:38 PM
guendalina.bsky.social
Looking for alpha reader or LT CP

ALADDIN X GREEK MYTH
Peleas is lovestruck with Thetis. Too bad she hates his family company's villa-turned-hotel plan. He must find a solution to make everyone happy, hoping the business doesn't crash in the meantime #CritPit #A #RC #UP #N
Composed of the finest pieces Adult Romance/Upmarket 60,000/90,000 words previewed PITCH ALADDIN x GREEK MYTH Daydreamer and past-troublemaker Peleas wants only to salvage his ailing father's dying business and woo the woman of his dreams. When she hates the family company’s villa-turned-hotel plans, he must find a solution to make everyone happy before losing both. EXCERPT Something itches under Peleas’ skin, a little ache in his chest. Each word and gesture is a new picture of a future that couldn’t come faster. Thetis rests her free hand next the salad bow. He should take and place it to his heart, make her feel how hard it’s beating. Themes/tropes Unhinged main character Love at first sight (for him) Pining vs denial of feelings Myth reimagining Classy vs dork Reverse grumpy x sunshine
February 8, 2025 at 8:59 AM
ftzahra.bsky.social
Hi #CritPit!

Armed with three obscure clues, one reluctant partner, and zero memories, seventeen-year-old Safa Rizwan has one month to reverse her death. #YA

As I'm diving into revisions soon, I'd love to connect with someone I can do weekly-ish chapter swaps with!
February 8, 2025 at 4:55 PM
grace-e-ludlow.bsky.social
#critpit seeking beta readers/critique partners for my #A #NA #F story This Used to be Home! Currently revising my first draft, but should have it ready soon. Happy to swap.
~85k queer coming of age set in Appalachia. I have full pitches on my page
Moodboard for This Used to be Home including pictures of a man climbing a freight train, a pinned dragonfly, two girls, a diner, and a coffeemaker Text reads "the town of Charlesburg, Virginia died in the summers. Well not really, but like most other towns centered around a major university, about three quarters of the population did leave after graduation weekend. May lay heavy on the town nestled in its small valley like frosting on a cinnamon roll, the syrupy-sweet heat melting between the buildings and running through the streets."
February 8, 2025 at 4:51 PM
virtualsynth.bsky.social
Hello there! For #CritPit, I'm looking for #A #SF beta readers. Definitely open to a swap. And the novel...

BULLETS FOR BUSHIDO

Comps: Persephone Station, Dark Run, Ten Low + Cowboy Bebop & Firefly.

The pitch:
February 8, 2025 at 9:22 PM
goddessvicky.bsky.social
Having a rough day time wise, so I'm re-using the pics I made for other pitch events. I'd love to hear from people! ((Especially if you've read my stuff over on AO3!))

#CritPit #NA #A #F #MR #RF #SPF #LGBT #POLY
A photo collage that features a woman wearing a crown, a college campus, a hand playing the guitar, piano keys, and a pair of bloody knuckles A photo that reads: Crowned In Light A literary agent's guide to the first book in the Crowned Series As 85k word Urban Speculative Romance/Romantasy First three books are finished, edited, and ready to query! This one has it all! - Magical Realism - Slow Burn - Found Family - Gods and Goddesses - Music Heavy - Soul Mates / Past Lives - Strong Female Friendships - Disability/BIPOC representation - DAVID BOWIE?!?! A photo that reads: The Pitch! It’s the end of a hot Iowan summer, and twenty-four-year-old Matilda West is gearing up for her sophomore year of college at Oak Ridge University. A scholarship student, she is swayed by the suggestion of her favorite professor to join a study group he’s created for his Classical Mythology course. The students in the group adopt her quickly, but Matilda’s past has made her wary and anxious of new people and their intentions. When she finds herself drawn toward two of the people in the group, including an unexplainable feeling like she’s met one of them before, Matilda is thrown in the middle of a situation she couldn’t have seen coming. Weird dreams and the fact that her life might not be what she thought it was force Matilda to question whether her fate was already decided, or if someone else is pulling the strings… How does one juggle school work, healing trauma, finding love, and supporting a diverse community, while also fighting for their fate and the rest of the world?
February 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
robinwrites.bsky.social
👀 for betas

NINTH HOUSE x Incan myth

A med school dropout turned supernatural investigator finds an Incan artifact at the scene of a ritualistic murder and realizes the crime may be the key to understanding the mystery surrounding her beloved Nana’s death. #A #Con #F #N #ace #LX #Di #CritPit
An aesthetic in a grid. Top row: a ghostly image of a woman standing superimposed on the woman sitting in a chair as if rising from it; an orange glowing moon in a night sky; a tribal type mask from which a man's face is partially peeking from behind Bottom row: a woman standing on a deserted street at night staring up at the glow of a streetlamp; a darkened room lit by a few candles in front of a ouija board
February 8, 2025 at 4:41 PM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
How'd #CritPit go for everyone? Found any readers? Anything you're interested in reading?

#WritingCommunity
February 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
Just a reminder to leave your #CritPit pitches up so any potential readers who weren't able to browse the tag today has a chance to still take a look!
February 9, 2025 at 3:58 AM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
#CritPIt - LET'S GOOOOO!
(I'm so excited to see everyone's pitches! You can do 1 per WIP and up to 3 per person!)
(P.S. Remember there's no time zone on this so if it's Feb 8, you can post!)
(P.P.S. Remember alt text if your post has images!)
#WritingCommunity #WriterSky
February 8, 2025 at 6:49 AM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
Dropping this article here for #WritingCommunity folks ahead of #CritPit on what alpha readers, beta readers, and critique partners do (and it has some questions you can ask readers after they read to help you get useful feedback)
darlingaxe.com/blogs/news/a...
What's the Difference Between an Alpha Reader and a Beta Reader?
A great novel is honed, not hatched. And to hone your novel, you need feedback.
darlingaxe.com
February 6, 2025 at 9:15 PM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
#CritPit is THIS Saturday!! 🎉 As you browse pitches, you can put all the relevant tags in one search if you're interested in reading something specific. For example, search for #CritPit #A #R #LGBT and you'll get all the posts for LGBTQIA+ adult romance! (And don't forget tags on your own posts!)
briannahwrites.bsky.social Brianna Heath | Author @briannahwrites.bsky.social · Jan 31
All right, let's do this, #WritingCommunity! Next Saturday (Feb 8), I'm hosting #CritPit, an event for #writers to find critique partners and alpha/beta readers. The event is open to all writers! Please share widely!
#CritPit What is it? A bsky event to help writers find new alpha readers, beta readers, and/or critique partners! When is it happening? 8 February 2025. No time zone restrictions. As long as it’s Feb 8 somewhere, #CritPit is happening! Who can participate? All writers who have something for which they’d like to find a reader/partner! This includes novels, novellas, short stories, etc. How to participate 1. Create a short (single post-length) pitch to describe your work. Your pitch doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should tell people what your writing is about! 2. Post up to 3 works, 1 post per work 3. Include the #CritPit hashtag! 4. To help people find you, include an age category tag and at least 1 genre tag (see bit.ly/CritPit for a list of tags) 5. If a pitch interests you, leave a comment to let the writer know! FAQ Am I allowed to like pitches? Yes! Anyone can like, comment, and/or repost! Go wild! Are agents/editors participating? This is NOT an event for pitching to agents/editors. This is for writers to find other writers. Agents/editors who are also writers may participate, but do so as writers only. Can I include a moodboard/graphic? Do I HAVE to include a moodboard/graphic? Graphics (moodboards, “a guide to,” etc.) are not required but they are allowed. Do include alt text for all images. Do not use AI-generated content. Finding a match You do not have to work with everyone to comments/volunteers as a reader! Recommended first steps for a potential match: 1. Discuss whether you’ll be swapping (reading for each other) or just 1 person will read for the other. 2. Share a slightly longer blurb + any content/trigger warnings. 3. Share a sample (like first 1-2 chapters) so you can see if you vibe (reader is interested/engaged & writer feels the feedback style of the reader works for them). 4. Always notify someone if you don’t think you’ll be a good fit, can’t make the time commitment, or can’t finish once you start.
February 6, 2025 at 5:47 PM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
We're about 3 days out from #CritPit!! What's the most helpful comment/feedback you've gotten about your writing? What made it work for you?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #BookSky #Writers #AmQuerying #AmDrafting
briannahwrites.bsky.social Brianna Heath | Author @briannahwrites.bsky.social · Jan 31
All right, let's do this, #WritingCommunity! Next Saturday (Feb 8), I'm hosting #CritPit, an event for #writers to find critique partners and alpha/beta readers. The event is open to all writers! Please share widely!
#CritPit What is it? A bsky event to help writers find new alpha readers, beta readers, and/or critique partners! When is it happening? 8 February 2025. No time zone restrictions. As long as it’s Feb 8 somewhere, #CritPit is happening! Who can participate? All writers who have something for which they’d like to find a reader/partner! This includes novels, novellas, short stories, etc. How to participate 1. Create a short (single post-length) pitch to describe your work. Your pitch doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should tell people what your writing is about! 2. Post up to 3 works, 1 post per work 3. Include the #CritPit hashtag! 4. To help people find you, include an age category tag and at least 1 genre tag (see bit.ly/CritPit for a list of tags) 5. If a pitch interests you, leave a comment to let the writer know! FAQ Am I allowed to like pitches? Yes! Anyone can like, comment, and/or repost! Go wild! Are agents/editors participating? This is NOT an event for pitching to agents/editors. This is for writers to find other writers. Agents/editors who are also writers may participate, but do so as writers only. Can I include a moodboard/graphic? Do I HAVE to include a moodboard/graphic? Graphics (moodboards, “a guide to,” etc.) are not required but they are allowed. Do include alt text for all images. Do not use AI-generated content. Finding a match You do not have to work with everyone to comments/volunteers as a reader! Recommended first steps for a potential match: 1. Discuss whether you’ll be swapping (reading for each other) or just 1 person will read for the other. 2. Share a slightly longer blurb + any content/trigger warnings. 3. Share a sample (like first 1-2 chapters) so you can see if you vibe (reader is interested/engaged & writer feels the feedback style of the reader works for them). 4. Always notify someone if you don’t think you’ll be a good fit, can’t make the time commitment, or can’t finish once you start.
February 5, 2025 at 5:51 AM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
For #CritPit, make sure your moodboards, "a guide to," and other graphics have alt text! (I find it helpful to prep this ahead of time!) If you'd like an intro to what alt text is, how to add it on bsky, and how to write good alt text, I recommend this thread:
bsky.app/profile/bhav...
briannahwrites.bsky.social Brianna Heath | Author @briannahwrites.bsky.social · Jan 31
All right, let's do this, #WritingCommunity! Next Saturday (Feb 8), I'm hosting #CritPit, an event for #writers to find critique partners and alpha/beta readers. The event is open to all writers! Please share widely!
#CritPit What is it? A bsky event to help writers find new alpha readers, beta readers, and/or critique partners! When is it happening? 8 February 2025. No time zone restrictions. As long as it’s Feb 8 somewhere, #CritPit is happening! Who can participate? All writers who have something for which they’d like to find a reader/partner! This includes novels, novellas, short stories, etc. How to participate 1. Create a short (single post-length) pitch to describe your work. Your pitch doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should tell people what your writing is about! 2. Post up to 3 works, 1 post per work 3. Include the #CritPit hashtag! 4. To help people find you, include an age category tag and at least 1 genre tag (see bit.ly/CritPit for a list of tags) 5. If a pitch interests you, leave a comment to let the writer know! FAQ Am I allowed to like pitches? Yes! Anyone can like, comment, and/or repost! Go wild! Are agents/editors participating? This is NOT an event for pitching to agents/editors. This is for writers to find other writers. Agents/editors who are also writers may participate, but do so as writers only. Can I include a moodboard/graphic? Do I HAVE to include a moodboard/graphic? Graphics (moodboards, “a guide to,” etc.) are not required but they are allowed. Do include alt text for all images. Do not use AI-generated content. Finding a match You do not have to work with everyone to comments/volunteers as a reader! Recommended first steps for a potential match: 1. Discuss whether you’ll be swapping (reading for each other) or just 1 person will read for the other. 2. Share a slightly longer blurb + any content/trigger warnings. 3. Share a sample (like first 1-2 chapters) so you can see if you vibe (reader is interested/engaged & writer feels the feedback style of the reader works for them). 4. Always notify someone if you don’t think you’ll be a good fit, can’t make the time commitment, or can’t finish once you start.
February 4, 2025 at 7:45 AM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
Full list of hashtags can be found at bit.ly/CritPit

I went back and forth on how micro to make the tags, and for now, I'm keeping it fairly broad! If I've missed a major category though, let me know!
Hashtags for #CritPit
Hashtags for #CritPit Listed below are tags for Age Category, Genre, Length, and Story Content. These are based on tags and categories used by PitBlk and SmallPitch. Please use at least 1 age categor...
bit.ly
January 31, 2025 at 5:06 AM
briannahwrites.bsky.social
All right, let's do this, #WritingCommunity! Next Saturday (Feb 8), I'm hosting #CritPit, an event for #writers to find critique partners and alpha/beta readers. The event is open to all writers! Please share widely!
#CritPit What is it? A bsky event to help writers find new alpha readers, beta readers, and/or critique partners! When is it happening? 8 February 2025. No time zone restrictions. As long as it’s Feb 8 somewhere, #CritPit is happening! Who can participate? All writers who have something for which they’d like to find a reader/partner! This includes novels, novellas, short stories, etc. How to participate 1. Create a short (single post-length) pitch to describe your work. Your pitch doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should tell people what your writing is about! 2. Post up to 3 works, 1 post per work 3. Include the #CritPit hashtag! 4. To help people find you, include an age category tag and at least 1 genre tag (see bit.ly/CritPit for a list of tags) 5. If a pitch interests you, leave a comment to let the writer know! FAQ Am I allowed to like pitches? Yes! Anyone can like, comment, and/or repost! Go wild! Are agents/editors participating? This is NOT an event for pitching to agents/editors. This is for writers to find other writers. Agents/editors who are also writers may participate, but do so as writers only. Can I include a moodboard/graphic? Do I HAVE to include a moodboard/graphic? Graphics (moodboards, “a guide to,” etc.) are not required but they are allowed. Do include alt text for all images. Do not use AI-generated content. Finding a match You do not have to work with everyone to comments/volunteers as a reader! Recommended first steps for a potential match: 1. Discuss whether you’ll be swapping (reading for each other) or just 1 person will read for the other. 2. Share a slightly longer blurb + any content/trigger warnings. 3. Share a sample (like first 1-2 chapters) so you can see if you vibe (reader is interested/engaged & writer feels the feedback style of the reader works for them). 4. Always notify someone if you don’t think you’ll be a good fit, can’t make the time commitment, or can’t finish once you start.
January 31, 2025 at 5:06 AM
hlcarterauthor.bsky.social
The sinister creature under Granny's basement stairs thrives in darkness. 39 y/o Brenda knows that to enter its domain is foolish. But when Granny is on her deathbed and begs for a special box, Brenda must battle her way through the basement horrors to find it.
#CritPit #A #H #SH
AN ABSTRACT BLACK AND ORANGE BACKGROUND WITH WHITE TEXT THAT READS: "Darkness should not growl. It shouldn’t rasp or seethe. Just the absence of light—that’s all it is. All it’s supposed to be. But the darkness in Granny’s basement is a different kind of darkness. It’s thick, like a black tar that envelopes you the moment the lights flip off—coating your skin and eyes, stealing away all that’s reassuring and safe and good. Worst of all? It remembers you." UNDER THE STAIRS, A SHORT STORY BY HEATHER CARTER
February 8, 2025 at 1:38 PM
hlcarterauthor.bsky.social
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER X TRIAL OF THE SUN QUEEN
Gemma is dragged to a realm in the center of the Earth, where she is forced to battle her twin sister for the hand of a sinister god. But a powerful connection with her demigod guard changes everything.
#CritPit #A #RF #N
a cave with light shining in. Black text that reads: A GUIDE TO CITY OF BONE AND JEWELS BY HEATHER CARTER a cave with light in the background. black text that reads: THE PITCH. Gemma and her twin sister are dragged to a hidden realm in the center of the Earth where they are forced to compete for the hand of a sinister god. Winner gets a crown, the loser gets sacrificed to the god of fire. When Gemma finds a powerful connection with her demigod guard, the stakes skyrocket, and she is forced to choose between her heart and the fate of all life on Earth. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH X TRIAL OF THE SUN QUEEN A CAVE WITH LIGHT IN THE BACKGROUND. BLACK TEXT THAT READS: TROPES/REP. ADHD REP, SOUL MATES, HIDDEN MAGIC, SPICE FORBIDDEN ROMANCE, HOLLOW EARTH/HIDDEN REALM OPENING LINES: “I swear to God, the power had better not go out again,” I muttered to myself, mentally running over all the emails and chores I still had to tackle. Springtime in Missouri brought storms, but I had deadlines to meet. My twin and I lived in a one-hundred-and-thirty-year-old house that lost power if a cloud so much as sighed, and we hadn’t saved enough for a generator yet. We were two broke bitches tackling adulthood and trauma, one questionable decision at a time.
February 8, 2025 at 1:34 PM
hlcarterauthor.bsky.social
I guess I'd better start prepping for #CritPit and #Questpit.
February 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM
hlcarterauthor.bsky.social
#WriterCheckIn
WIP focus: Hollow Earth romantasy (drafting)
How am I?: 🫠🫠🫠
Goals: aiming to finish drafting my WIP by the end of the month
Learnings to share: Not new, but write with your heart, even the bannable things. Our stories are vital.
Events: I'll probably do #CritPit
eliseswords.eurosky.social Elise (they/them)🇦🇺 🏳️‍⚧️ @eliseswords.eurosky.social · Feb 2
Welcome to February's #WriterCheckIn!
(1st Sun every month, on Bsky & Mastodon.)

Updating the prompt image to account for a certain shitstorm:

1. How are you?

2. Are you setting & working towards Feb writerly goals, doing what you can when you can, or taking a break?

#Writing #WritingCommunity
Background image: two sprigs of leaves frame left, ink well dip pens frame bottom, sheet of paper centred with text; #WriterCheckIn (March) Which wip is your focus? Research/ draft/ edit/ publish/ promo goals? Any writerly/ authorly learnings to share? Participating in any writer/ author; events, cons, competitions or pitch parties? Hosted by:@eliseswritings.bsky.social Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema
February 2, 2025 at 2:28 PM
simplyfabs.bsky.social
#CritPit #NA #DR #R #BIPOC

TITLE: the villain’s muse
WC GOAL: 75-98k after revisions and edits!

If you are interested, you have to be 18+ and willing to work with bipoc dark romance manuscripts 🫶
tropes in the book! comps of the book! the logline/tagline!
February 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
milosometimes.bsky.social
Good luck to those doing #CritPit ! I'm a lil disappointed that I can't throw my hat in the ring (way too early in my current WIP), but I'll be cheering on from afar
February 8, 2025 at 3:08 PM
isaacxisaac.bsky.social
That's the question, isn't it 😅

I personally got a bunch of people from on here during #CritPit (an experimental event), although they were all people who were already following me cause I do WIPSnips &c. every day!
June 9, 2025 at 4:17 PM
isaacxisaac.bsky.social
#CritPit friends! My #YA? #HF #HA #AD #N ovel seeks alphas!

In the Restoration's wake, a noble family quietly returns with a son, not a daughter. Trouble is, this restless, belligerent fopling comes anything but quietly.

A #LGBT #TNB swashbuckling tale about fighting for and against one's manhood.
Text overtop "An Encounter with Rapiers in 1668" by Percy Macquoid circa 1897, spread across three images. The art depicts the duel between George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and Francis Talbot, 11th Earl of Shrewsbury, while Anna Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, looks on in disguise as a pageboy. This is not the event depicted in the novel, I just used it as a public domain image. This image reads: The Duel in 1660, a queer swashbuckling farce, seeks alpha readers, sensitivity feedback, friends and nemeses! This image reads: This irreverent small-scale adventure will contain about 80k of: binary trans male protagonist. heightened historical setting. 100% tropes from concentrate. rakes jumping out of windows. themes! symbols! swords! everyone making it out all right (except for that one guy we all hate). A pie chart indicates: goofy action 40%. emotional devastation 20%. male tenderness 20%. trans screams of rage 20%. petticoat breeches 120%. A cartoon bubble emanates from a fallen duelist, reading "Help". The text on this image reads: THE DUEL is still in a pre-alpha state, but I'm looking early in hopes of readers for when it is soon(TM) ready! If it sounds fun to you, I'm looking for critique, cheering, buddies, and any amount of sensitivity feedback on: characters who are physically disabled, Black esp. Black British, Barbadian, Irish, Dutch, lesbian, gay, bi, ex-Calvinist. deliberate invocation of stereotypes, mockery of history, depiction of fencing, stunts, skullduggery, equestrianism.
February 8, 2025 at 7:29 AM