More Eyes On Our Work

Finding people you trust to give honest feedback

I’ve blogged before about the importance of finding a critique partner. Someone giving us feedback on our creative endeavors is invaluable. They can bring clarity where we may feel fuzzy, and they can help us see our weaknesses and strengths. Most importantly, they can give us ideas that snowball into fantastic improvements in our work.

I already had two great people with differing viewpoints giving me feedback. They both gave such amazing advice, I was emboldened to find more people to share thoughts and suggestions.

Recently, I asked a friend who has never read my manuscript to read a few chapters and give me some honest feedback. I was confident that she would be neither too nice nor too mean to me.

Nevertheless, I was a little nervous when she came to my place and gave me feedback in real time. I’m far more comfortable receiving suggestions in writing, so I can absorb them and also, if do have an emotional reaction, I’m the only one who sees it.

Then several things happened that I did not expect.

First off, she was absolutely amazing at giving feedback. She wasn’t just honest, she was insightful. She should be a professional editor. I had no idea my dear friend had this amazing talent.

Second, everything she mentioned was so very helpful to me. She quickly found weaknesses I couldn’t see and had suggestions on how to shore up those areas. She asked excellent questions. She pointed out things that, on second thought, needed to be recrafted to be truer to character.

Last, I took the face-to-face feedback much better than I thought I would. Her insights inspired me. So many ideas flashed through my head as she gave me great suggestions. As scary as I assumed in-person feedback would be, it was fun and exciting.

Sure, I now have a ton of work to do, but the story is going to be so much stronger and richer when I’ve incorporated her suggestions.

So keep looking for people you trust to give you honest feedback. You may find a gem who rocks your manuscript.

If you’re a writer, how many eyes do you have on your work in progress?

If you’re a reader, do you know a writer you could help with your experience and creativity?

Love to hear from you.