Write Words

A few weeks ago I sent my book Let’s Talk about Race off to five friends for honest feedback. I know - it is a scary thing to have someone look at and critique (let’s face it, criticize) our work. Ii is difficult to put your prized possession up for review, even by a welcoming group. But honest critique is what every writer, every book and every manuscript, needs. A well thought out critique can turn a mediocre manuscript into a masterpiece, decreasing the likelihood of receiving that form rejection letter we all dread. Let me tell you why it’s worth it.

First, you see blind spots. Needless to say my version of a great book is limited and one sided. Once I gather several different opinions I can piece together what is wrong with my book and what may need clarification. The last thing I want is for someone to misinterpret what I was trying to communicate. Also, my original draft may not give the entire picture, but hearing several opinions and putting them together gives me a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of my work. If three of five people say they don’t understand a chapter, I need to rework the chapter.

Next, you are the final authority on what to do with the critique. Flying off the handle is always an option when you disagree with a critique. But it is nteresting how the more you listen and the more time you weigh the critiques, the better the chances the manuscript has for improvement. I end up changing the ending to my book - it turns out my ending didn’t flow as well as the one my friend suggested.

I also reserve the right not to change my piece. Each critique reflects the opinion of the critic and the author always has the final voice in how the work goes to out. A wise author, however, considers critique comments carefully, remembering that if the manuscript cannot stand on its own without verbal defense or explanation, it won’t have much chance with an editor or reader.

Third, you can learn from an honest critique. I learned that overall everyone in my critique group really enjoyed my book. I learned that some minor changes made major improvements. I also learned that I am not the only authority on my piece. Mainly I learned how blessed I am to have people in my life who care enough about me to tell me the truth about my writing.

In the final analysis, to me, it is better to hear the truth about my work from a fellow writer than from an editor or reader. The paramount lesson I learned — if I keep my book unchallenged and hidden away from critique I will not discover much. Critiques are essential to fine writing. Great writers know the importance of getting feedback from a variety of people with varying perspectives. Go ahead, ask someone to examine your query, article or book. I promise it’ll be well worth it in the end.

Angela Dion is the owner of Dion Communications, LLC www.dioncommunications.com.  To subscribe to her free e-magazine Write Words and get the free 9 page booklet, Write Killer Queries, go to  http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe.

This article may be reprinted freely as long as the entire article and bio are included.

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This entry was posted on Monday, May 25th, 2009 at 10:07 am and is filed under An honest critique: what every writer needs, Articles, Get Published. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.