What is the best form of feedback? I am asking for feedback on my novel which has been professionally reviewed and read by 10 readers. I find the feedback often contradictory or premature and frankly almost as much work to sort as writing a new novel. What helps most 1:Sending the first three chapters and synopsis to a small group (how small or big)? 2: Sharing parts of your novel on online site? 3: Reading your novel aloud to a closed group (buddy writers on Skype?). Please help-I am trying to balance editing with helpful feedback.
Hi Sonya
I joined actual writing groups, where writers meet monthly, and share ideas and writing. I also made some really good friends from these meetings.
But feel free to ask for feedback, and advice here on Goodreads.
I always listen to what people have to say, and take on board what I like. But ultimately, it's me who makes the final decision what to embrace, and what not to.
Happy writing. Maurice
Jonathan, Neal and Maurice-thank you for all your answers. They help me right away.
Jonathan-I have asked myself repeatedly-I am very confident in the story I am writing. I hope I am abel to ahem the opportunity to present it to more than 20 people. Despite all the setbacks and time flying by, I am still very confident in my story.
Neal-I have come to the conclusion that asking for feedback beyond the few that tells me I am not insane, is too time-consuming. I will just go round in circles. So I will stop and focus on the long-term goal-getting published.
Maurice-your story is a great one. Congrats on getting published and completing your second novel. I think to myself that I will be open to feedback from an agent or publisher-as then I am closer to my goal. Were your writing groups online or face-to-face? I am trying to sort out my feedback this way but I am not part of any community.
I can only quote my experience, and hope my ramblings help.
My short answer is: Yes, I think feedback helps (but stay true to your own style).
My long answer is:
My story writing began in 2002, when I found a passion to write short stories. True to my nature, I wanted to make the best outcome possible.
I found it difficult in the beginning, because, although I had a lot of enthusiasm, I was lacking ability. This emphasized, the first thing I needed to do, was.
1. LEARN.
Even today, I still make sure I'm always learning.
I attended creative writing courses. Joined several writing groups. I developed a database of writing ideas. I decided to enter competitions. I learnt a hard lesson. As a writer, I had to.
2. ACCEPT CRITICISM.
One competition judge gave me a really hard time, and nearly destroyed my confidence. I thought for a while, I would change my style, and write what I thought others really wanted to read. But I soon decided, no, I would stay true to my own style. What I needed to do was.
3. KEEP IMPROVING.
Initially I just wrote, but eventually, I had a finished my book, and thought, I would publish it. I decided my best option was to self publish, which I did. My book sold. Not enough to recoup the money I'd spent publishing, but reasonably well enough for me to seek comments from those I knew had bought it. I found their responses encouraging.
Initially, women, and men friends, and writers from the writers groups I attended, read, and critiqued my work. I asked my friends to mark my work out of 10, and say whether they would want to keep reading it.
This let me know whether I'm on the right track, or not, and what percentage of readers might like my work.
Those in the writing groups needed no prompting. They gave plenty of comments. Initially, I was not as good as they were. But gradually, with their help, my writing improved, and eventually, they were learning from me.
I finished my second novel, and decided, with one novel published, I would seek a literary agent. I soon realized, my work had to be good. in fact, it had to be the best. It wasn't. It was close, but it needed improving. I did receive some helpful feedback though, which highlighted another necessity for a writer. I needed to.
4. ACCEPT FEEDBACK.
One thought, and goal has been there all through my writing journey. I might make some money, but what I really need to make sure of is.
5. I ENJOY WRITING.