The Breakdown
Weekly, free subscribers get a rundown of top publishing & entertainment news, contest alerts, and craft articles. Paid subscribers get ALL THAT AND a chance to receive feedback on their work.
Welcome to “The Breakdown” by me, Paula M. Gill This newsletter will provide you with in-depth analysis of the changing landscape of the entertainment industry — specifically, publishing, TV & Film, and the intersection of the two.
“The Breakdown” is a free newsletter dedicated to helping you improve your writing craft as well as illuminating, analyzing, and understanding the new spaces created by the intersection of publishing and entertainment.
For paying subscribers, in addition to all of the free content, we'll look at ways that you can optimize your stories for adaptation, develop attractive Intellectual Property (IP), and strengthen your queries and pitches going forward. Paying subscribers, at just $5/mo or $50/year, also get more in-depth industry analysis—and through a monthly draw—a chance to receive personalized feedback on either a query or the first five pages of your work.
Want to know more about my critiquing background? In addition to critiquing for and coaching four traditionally published authors, I’ve worked in development at HBO and in the TV Writers department at ICM. I also consulted for the serialized writing platform I currently write on, Wattpad, analyzing over 250 stories from their top-tier writers to help identify their strengths and weaknesses. I also ran a critiquing contest called, The Standouts. Check out the props from contestants, my overall pitch assessments, and lessons learned from the contest here.
Or, you can listen to these fine folks:
Paula, thank you so much!
Honestly, being picked for this is a lifesaver. Since I've finished, I kept feeling like something was missing in this piece. I knew that something was holding me back from feeling that it was 'complete' and now I know exactly what it is, and exactly what to focus on. This feedback was amazing. Again, thank you.
- Teace Findlay, Writer’s Workshop #1 participant
Wow! Thank you Paula! I really appreciate the valuable feedback that you’ve provided on The Misfit Architects! And thanks for the great tips on two series that I’ve totally missed out on! While it can always be difficult to come face to face with whatever is lacking in one’s writing, your feedback is so well written (and light-hearted) that I feel empowered to rework the text and give it all I’ve got! Obviously, I need some more planning, but since this is the first draft I feel very fortunate to have been given such valuable feedback so early on! You’ve given me just what I needed and I’m rewriting the beginning with your expert tips in mind asap! 😃
- Hannah El Hamalawy, Writer’s Workshop #2 participant
Paula,
I just went through your suggestions tonight — all of which were so helpful — and it was great! THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH for all your help! Your feedback was concise and actionable, and I loved your thoughts on how to position this character-driven novel and include the high-stakes subplots too. I feel so much more comfortable and confident with my query!
- Adelyn Ann Sterling, Author of The Prince’s Guide to True Love’s Kiss (Hachette)
Paula,
You gave me excellent advice and feedback on narrative flow and on hooking a reader across the first two chapters of my novel, which helped me tighten-up the crucial first five thousand words.
In addition your feedback on my query made me take a step back and identify what was really important, editing it down to its essence. Your input has helped me improve my work and I'm grateful for your time!
- David H., Currently Querying
So, what are you waiting for? Check out more industry news, advice, and insider insight!
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