How to Deal With Manuscript Critiques

ANNABEL SMITH

I have my manuscript out to my first beta readers and am anxiously awaiting their feedback and critiques. I’ll admit, it’s nerve-wracking. Will they like it? Were my characters well-developed? Was the plot cohesive? Was the story compelling? 

I really want to hear what they have to say. I want honest opinions, but how do I handle the comments and critiques? What if it simply wasn’t their favorite genre? What if I disagree? What if, what if, what if…

Janice Hardy gives us 8 tips in her post, 8 Tips for Reviewing a Manuscript Critique.

  1. Here’s a sneak peek:
  2. Take comments seriously
  3. If you agree, change it; if you don’t agree, don’t.
  4. Not sure? Give it consideration. Why did the reviewer think or make that comment?
  5. Grammar or punctuation – look it up. The Elements of Style by Strunk & White
  6. If something is confusing, fix it. Clarity is essential to the story.
  7. Do what makes your story the best.
  8. Be objective.

Janice covers each of these in more details and provides additional resources. So, stop by and check out her post,
8 Tips for Reviewing a Manuscript Critique.

 

 

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. I’m all ears and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  PinterestBloglovinTwitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

 

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To Clara: Regarding Your Critique

I don’t often reblog, not because there isn’t a mountain of beautiful posts out there worth sharing. I tried to offer my readers my thoughts and stories (for whatever that’s worth), but once in a while I come across a post, article, or story that is so profound, so moving, or simply amazing that I must share – not doing so, would be remiss of me.

There are a couple of blogs I will be sharing this week with you and first up is from The Drabble: To Clara: Regarding Your Critique by Keith T. Hoerner. This is one of the most moving and poignant pieces I have ever read, and it’s is something all writers can relate.

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By Keith T. Hoerner

You shared your writing with me. An extension of friendship, like a handshake. More like the reaching out of hands with the chance to be held – or swatted – open palmed. Sharing … emptying pockets to reveal hidden things among the embarrassment of collected lint, is a dangerous proposition. Your shadows merged with mine, achieving the density of darkness that brings on the dawn. How can I thank you? For selflessly taking my hands and guiding me to an unknown resting place within the pages of you. I spoke in an attempt to reciprocate. My words: sandpaper to your beach of memory.

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