You've worked hard on your project and you're proud of it but you want to be sure it is solid and something others would want to read. In order to find out this information you round up a few of your trusted peers and send them your work. They, as your beta readers, in turn provide you with feedback. This brings us to the question above. What would you rather hear from your betas - "oh, this is a wonderful book and you should get this published" or "I liked the characters but the pace was a little slow at times"?
As I journey down this road and gain more experience with every turn I'm starting to see that feedback takes many forms but can be placed in three categories. Don't get me wrong, I believe two categories serve a purpose while one is....well, we will get to that. Which of the two is more valuable to the author? Well, in order to answer that question we need to look at the two categories.
Category One: The Feel Good Feedback
I consider this to be positive feedback. We've all seen it and I would guess that many of us have received it. Examples of feedback that would fit in this category would be:
- I loved the way you described each character. They really jumped off the page.
- The settings were so real in my mind.
- I truly enjoyed reading your book.
- Wow, I didn't see that ending coming at all.
The feedback for this category is very helpful when it comes to building up the self confidence and the willingness of an author to push the limits and explore more. I believe we tend to restrain our abilities until we either feel that we have grasped the basics or we have confirmation from others that what we are doing is good. When you receive feedback like this be grateful for it; take it for what it’s worth and continue moving forward.
Category Two: That Stings a Little Feedback
This is the category that many would consider negative feedback or constructive criticism. Just like positive feedback, I'm sure we have seen and/or received negative feedback. Examples that would fit in this category are:
- The hook was good but I don't think it was strong enough to carry me through the story.
- The pace was to slow in some scenes and to fast in others.
- I liked character 'A' but character 'B' seemed plain.
- The dialog didn't match the time period.
- The ending was good but I think there were some holes remaining.
There is one thing we need to keep in mind regarding negative feedback; it is a more critical examination of the story when compared to positive feedback. Granted all feedback is based on opinion but we can investigate the points of negative feedback. We should want this type of feedback because, even though we don't like it, it provides us with the most information about our skill and the story we have developed. It helps us identify the areas we need to work on.
Category Three: Bad Feedback
This is the category where we find all the feedback that is just not helpful at all. Yes, unfortunately we do receive feedback that fits perfectly in this category. Some examples are:
- The beginning sucks.
- What's up with that ending?
- Uuuummmm, I didn't get it.
- You haven't quit your day job yet have you?
Which is more helpful?
We know that category three is not the most helpful so it comes down to category one or two. Category one has an important place in the life of an author but I'm not so sure it is the most helpful. Negative feedback, in my opinion, is the most helpful because it provides us with the most to work with and the most insight. The key words to remember is 'constructive criticism;' meaning it is not bad, just pointing out something we may need to work on. If you think about it, negative feedback could very well provide the most positive return.
What kind of feedback have you received? Did it fit one of the categories above?
11 comments:
I think you are right. As a total paranoid, I hate criticism, but it always makes me reevaluate and redo and, hopefully, do better. Positive feedback revitalizes me and gets me going when I might have taken a day off.
I would say that I, as well as many other i'd presume, would rather bathe in the warm waters of positive feedback than half to brave the chill of icy negative comments on work that we've poured our hearts and souls into.
As far as beta readers go. I'm struggling with that one right now. I've finished a project of about 53k words that I must classify as paranormal erotic romance or paranormal erotica with mystery/suspense/crime elements.
This is the first piece of this sort I've written and I am at a loss on how or where to find beta readers. I'm not even sure were along the spectrum this piece would fall yet. I have many questions to be answered on character development, story arc, and some of the love/sex scenes.
Great post though.
Rosemary - You're right. Positive feedback revitalizes you while negative feedback makes you think and focus. Both can be good and both are needed at times.
J.L. - Thank you. You are also right; many of us would prefer the warm waters but at times we need the cold water to wake us up to what we might be missing. In regards with your beta readers, go with those whom you trust. This doesn't necessarily need to be friends but peers who will give you honest feedback. Let them know what the book is about and if they agree to read it then ask them to answer your questions.
It's always hard to hear that your work isn't perfect. I think the trick for the person critiquing is to do it in such a way that doesn't make the writer want to quit writing.
Patti - Yes, it is important to remember, if you are the one giving the feedback, to be honest but in a constructive manner.
The first thing with criticism, I think is for us to realise that even good books can always be better, and that we need negative critiscm to improve our work.
Constructive critiscm is what we all need even if we don't like to hear the negatives in it, but people need to be encourged to give us that.
I always make it clear. I say - I don't want my ego massaged. I want you to tell me where it gets boring, if the characters are real or not, is the ending any good; what are the problems and what suggestions do you have to fix them. This gives them permission to give real , thoughtful and helpful feedback, and that's the kind we need.
The first thing with criticism, I think is for us to realise that even good books can always be better, and that we need negative critiscm to improve our work.
Constructive critiscm is what we all need even if we don't like to hear the negatives in it, but people need to be encourged to give us that.
I always make it clear. I say - I don't want my ego massaged. I want you to tell me where it gets boring, if the characters are real or not, is the ending any good; what are the problems and what suggestions do you have to fix them. This gives them permission to give real , thoughtful and helpful feedback, and that's the kind we need.
Publishersearch - You nailed it! It is critical that the reader has our permission to be brutally honest because in the end that will help most. I provide questions for the readers to answer as well.
Really useful post, Brian! Thanks for that. I agree with you. I've had responses from people in both of the first couple of groups. They are both invaluable, but the second is more helpful - especially in the early stages.
Liked this post!
It's never pleasant to hear that something you've poured so much time and heart into isn't the very best, but I like to think that you learn something with each rewrite.
There's also something to be said about *how* criticism is given. I feel that wording makes a big difference in how the writer may react to criticism, even if they asked for brutal honesty.
Brutal honesty is great, but it's not synonymous with negative-toned feedback. There is always something good/positive to be found in each piece of work.
Thank you for your post. I love getting feedback - both positive and negative. See both as positive because I don't want someone to allow bad writing habits to continue. It's important to me to improve daily.
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