Lynne Klippel will be joining us on A Conscious Life Radio May 22nd to discuss her free author quick start program that provides an assessment, ebook, and audio program that will help aspiring writers begin writing -please join us.
One of my book coaching clients had a painful experience this week. Someone suggested that she review her book idea with some potential marketing sources. She set up meetings with two people who might be able to recommend her book in the future and asked for feedback on her idea.
Sadly, she was not given supportive or encouraging feedback. In fact, one person she met with was downright rude and told her she had no credibility in this arena and that her book would fail. She was crushed.
It is very, very important that you keep your book idea and your manuscript in sacred silence while you are writing it. Over my nearly ten years as a writing coach and developmental editor, I have never seen one instance where asking for feedback from family members, colleagues, or potential readers was helpful during the writing stage. In every instance, clients got upsetting or disappointing feedback that took a deep emotional toll.
There are many reasons for this.
First, writing a book is a tender, creative process. You need to give your ideas time to formulate. You may begin writing one book and suddenly be inspired to switch focus. The ideas should come from you, clear of any bias from others.
Secondly, the person you are seeking feedback from may not be your ideal reader. In this client’s case, she sought feedback from men and her book was being written for women. I asked for feedback on one of my early books from a fellow coach, but she had no experience in the area in which I was writing. Her only feedback was that she liked it…..which meant she did not know what else to say but did not want to hurt my feelings. LOL
Thirdly, some people are jealous of others’ accomplishments and unwittingly think it is helpful to be a harsh critic. Several years ago, one of my authors showed her manuscript to her sister, who happened to fit the profile of her ideal reader perfectly. The sister tore the manuscript to shreds and focused only on comma usage and punctuation instead of the message of the book.
There is a time and place for feedback on your book. And, there is a way to solicit feedback strategically so it helps you but does not destroy your confidence or derail your progress.
It is always helpful to work with a writing coach or developmental editor during the writing phase. These professionals have expert knowledge in how to structure successful books and communicate ideas clearly. Plus, as professionals in this industry, they are skillful in giving feedback that nurtures, not destroys.
To get feedback from the general public, follow these steps:
First, after you have identified your ideal readers, spend time with them. Learn about what they need, how they struggle and how they like to learn. This market research will help you write a much better book. You don’t have to share your ideas with them. Your goal here to to learn how best to serve this group of people.
During the process of writing your first draft, do not show your manuscript to anyone except for your coach or editor, who is trained to give you expert feedback that will help you, not harm you.
Once your first draft is written and you have done your author edits, you can decide if you want to show parts of your book to a few people who fit your target reader profile or who have expertise in your subject area for review. Some authors find this step helpful but many do not. You can decided what’s best for you and your book.
Finally, put your book in the hands of a skillful editor and publishing team so that your words are polished and professionally packaged.
Then, it’s time to share your new creation with the world, proudly and confidently!
P.S. Don’t worry about my coaching client. After our session, she was able to completely shift her viewpoint of this feedback experience and is now back on track and writing wonderful book.
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