I am currently deep in the throes of the revision stage of my second book. I’ve been thinking about shopping this book around to an agent, so I gave the first three chapters to two of my friends to read. I thought maybe they would think it was funny, intriguing, or thrilling. I have no idea precisely what I thought they’d say, but neither one of them with that impressed. What lesson did I learn here? Don’t let your friends read your first draft.
I’m just kidding (maybe).
When I published my first book, I got loads of great feedback and great reviews on Amazon. Maybe I thought that I had arrived. Perhaps I thought I figured out my process. And it’s not to say that none of these things are true. I’ve read and heard writers say over and over again, that the first draft is always garbage. I already knew this, but I was so pumped about my idea, I forgot how tough this process really is.
So what do you do when you get negative criticism or feedback?
Just keep writing.
I believe in my story, wholeheartedly. I think it’s a marvelous idea, but I have to figure out how to tell it the right way. The less than glowing review of my first three chapters inspired me to make what I have 200% better. Whether it involves more research or amping up the drama by 10%, I’m letting this be a catalyst to improve my work. Remember that throughout the writing process, there will be times when you think no one understands your work, but the key is still to stay true to yourself and tell the stories that you want to read.
Don’t take it personally.
Negative criticism most likely isn’t a personal attack on your talent or overall competence as a writer. We aren’t perfect, and everyone has an opinion. After all, if you put your work out there, you have to expect that people will have something to say about it.
Go through critique groups.
When I wrote my first book, it wouldn’t have turned out to be an engaging story if I hadn’t been part of a great critique group. It took me over ten years to finish that first book, and I had forgotten how much of the process was going through critique with other writers like me. Even though I’m trying to finish this book faster, I need to realize that the critique is a part of the process that I can’t leave out.
Take it or leave it.
Remember that feedback and criticism it’s like a whole big fish on your plate. You eat the parts that you like and leave behind the bones. It’s up to you to realize which pieces of advice you should take and which ones you should wrap up in the newspaper to throw out with the trash.
Be grateful.
If you are a writer or an author, alpha and beta readers are such a massive part of the process. If you have friends or family that are even willing to read your crusty, imperfect, typo-filled rough draft pages, then you’re fortunate. Thank them for their time and patience while you improve on your work in progress.
How do you handle negative criticism? Leave a comment or let me know on IG or Facebook.
