The other day I got an email from a friend of mine who has recently rediscovered her writing mojo. She asked me a super common question. “Who should I get to read/edit my writing?”
Hmm…this is a major question and a hard one to answer As any writer knows, taking that huge step to let someone read your work is huge. Like, H-U-G-E, huge! I mean, after all…you’ve been slaving away, writing your heart, spilling your guts out onto the page, and to let someone else read it and possibly criticize it, is terrifying.
Photo courtesy of www.redpencil.ca
Now, if you write for yourself and yourself only, then it’s fine. You don’t ever have to let anyone read your work. It’s cool. BUT…if you ever want to share your work, publish in any format, or really, do anything with your work, you will need to let someone read your words at some point.
Obviously you have choices here. I mean, you don’t have to hand your precious words over to just anyone. But, that’s an option too.
My friend asked me if she should give her work to her husband to read.
Here’s my thought on that. NO!
Of course there are exceptions to this rule. But…almost never. I don’t believe your spouse or close friends should ever be your first readers. This is why…they love you.
People close to you will do one of two things. 1) they will blow smoke up your ass and tell you how wonderful it all is and how they can’t believe you aren’t already number one on the New York Times Bestseller list.
or
2) They will over criticize it. They’ll find every little thing that they possibly can that may be potentially wrong with it and they’ll point it out because they’re trying so hard to help you.
I don’t really think a lot of good can come from either situation. But fortunately, there is a solution. Find a writing group. I know, I know, this sounds easier than it is. But there are a few places you can look. Put up an ad at your local library, check out your local writers’ guild and heck, do an online search. If in person groups aren’t your thing, there are plenty of online critique groups that lots of writers have had success with. Critique Circle is the first one that comes to mind. I’ve heard that there are some Facebook groups of writers as well that hang out and discuss each others work.
And…it doesn’t have to be a group situation. You could hire editors as another option. There are all types of editors depending on your needs. Content editors, line editors, you name it.
See? There are lots of options for a fresh set of eyes for your work beside those that love you most. Unless of course you happen to be married to an editor. But even then…
Leanne Shirtliffe (Ironic Mom)
Elena Aitken
Trish Loye Elliott
My first finished novel, I had my aunt read since she’s a big reader and I knew she would tell me the truth. She told me she liked it and had nothing but good things to say. I was restless with it and have tried to find out why. Later I found out she didn’t like the ending but she never told me – she told my mom who told me years later. That could have helped me if I had known she was unhappy with the ending (it was too abrupt).
Oh…yup, that would have been good to know earlier.
I made the mistake of letting my mom read one of my VERY early novels. Love ya mom, but she told me how much she enjoyed it and then years later, “Oh I like your new stuff so much better.”
Gotta love family! Did you get your ending changed?
I’m guilty of giving my work to a really good friend who never says no when I hand her something to critique. I should really start looking into finding a writing group.
Hey, friends work if you can keep that distance when it comes to your work. It’s hard…but can be done.
My wordbitches Leanne and Trish are good examples of this. Of course we were crit partners first. But hey, if it’s working…giver’!
Such a timely post for me! I am writing a piece I’d like to submit for publication and have finally decided on a reader that I respect and feel will offer good, constructive criticism. It wasn’t easy, though. You are right about not asking someone too close to you – and I made sure I found someone who fits the criteria for exactly the reasons you listed. Thanks for the priceless advice!
Thanks for the post Elena. I was part of a writing group for a while, but found it much easier to give feedback than to work with the feedback I received. Giving feedback was good practice, but overall the experience left me less inspired to do my own writing, so eventually I stopped going. Recently I posted an ad for a writing assistant at the local college, and found someone who’s been helpful with editing and other aspects of my writing process too. We have a great connection and I’m so grateful for the all-around support.