So I’m about to submit the first chapter of my novel for a critique. I  have to admit I’m a little anxious, scared, and excited all at the same time.  This is my baby I’m putting on display what if people don’t like it?

I keep reminding myself that this is a good healthy part of the process. Other readers, other than family and friends, and hopefully members of the writing community, are going to give me their first impression and what works and what doesn’t. But what if they don’t like it?

Well if they don’t like it and can explain why it isn’t working, I’ll take them seriously  especially if more than one person is saying pretty much the same thing. Some times we get too close to our work and fall in love with certain scenes that shouldn’t be there. If more than one person says something isn’t working, we need to take a closer look.

With this being said, you really need to look at the critique closely.  Is the person doing the critique trying to offer suggestions to make the story better or change it into what they think it should be? Remember this is still your baby. You need to be pliable enough to accept feedback but strong enough to stay true to your vision.

If you disagree with a critique, explain what your were going for, don’t argue. In doing so the person critiquing your work may get what you were trying to do and offer suggestions that will make it read clearer and more true to what you initialy had in mind.

Above all be humble and polite. Remember these people are taking time from their busy schedules to read your work and tell you what they think.  They’re not getting paid and want to see you succeed in your endeavors.

I would love for you to join me on this journey to becoming published. I have been writing for five years and I am using this blog to provide information that I wish I had known when I first started writing. It is my hope that this blog will enlighten you and make the journey a little easier. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes that I made.

-Jan R