Who should you ask to read your book

One thing is sure - you should get someone else to read your crime novel before submitting to a publisher or agent. I paid to have a professional critique - know I have talked about this before. The thing is if you decide to have a professional critique you have to be prepared for the feedback.

I read recently that what all writers want to hear is that they are really good. This is true. But, agents and publishers are coming from a different angle. They are concerned about where your novel fits in the genre and whether it will sell, rather than its innate merit. This is a sobering thought indeed.

But you have to bridge the gap between the ego and publication and in my opinion having a professional critique (or a friend whose opinion will be honest and constructive) is a crucial step across this bridge.