Writing A Book? Real Questions. Real Authors. Real Answers

Question: Should I Let Other People Read My Work While I am Writing my Book?

This is the first question in a FIVE part series where I will answer the TOP 5 questions that authors and new writers ask me.

This first question is a good one, and it has two answers. The first answer is no. It may seem a little rough but it’s not a hard no. It’s a temporary no. Let me explain why.

My NO depends upon several factors. First, if you fit into any of the categories below, sharing and letting others read what you’re working on can be devastating to you as a new writer. You are in the "still trying to figure things out" phase. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe feedback and sharing is important as a writer (more on that later).

Are any of these you?

• This is your first attempt.

• You’re a new writer.

• You’re in the drafting stage.

• You are asking non-writers to read your work.

  
  

When I work with my clients on writing their books, I recommend them during their drafting stage not to share their work – not quite yet. They nod, smile, and agree, some understand, others can’t wait in their newfound authorship glory to share what they’ve written. The next time we met, they confess they shared their work with someone and that person told them:

• Their work wasn’t good.

• They needed to change the plan for their book.

• They got negative feedback from someone close to them.

• They got disinterested feedback questioning why they were writing on that topic.

Because these were new writers, the advice was like a slap in the face. It made them start to doubt and question their ability and their desire to write a book. And on the flip side, they got advice that wasn’t helping them because the person or group they asked had a different perspective or approach – which was not right for them.

As a new writer you don’t have the skill set yet to write without doubt (that takes a while), you’re not sure yet if your book is the right one or you’re going in the right direction. The first draft of your book is a work in progress (WIP). It’s a work on YOU as you develop your idea fully and your skills. I have seen so many new writers crushed because in their excitement they want to share their project, unfortunately they shared it with the wrong person or group. *

The YES answer to the question – you should share what you’re writing when:

• You are finished with your first draft (or almost done).

• You have critique partners.

• You have a trusted person you are working with (someone with experience).

• You’re in a group of like-minded authors who are at the same level or more skilled than yourself.

• You understand that opinions can be subjective to a particular person’s personal preferences.

• You have thick skin and can let a bad comment about your work roll off you.

Sharing your work is IMPORTANT, so is how and when you share it. I always recommend you keep the first draft to yourself unless you are working with a professional (like myself) or you’re in a group that’s small and organized (see below). Share when you have confidence and the skill set to understand that not everyone’s opinion matters. Keep in mind that opinions are subjective to personal preference. Share when you are secure in your platform and you’re looking for feedback that moves you toward that. Misinformation can change your writing so that you’re pleasing another person and not yourself, and this will get you off track.

I am not saying don’t share your work ever, because it is important. You need to ensure your writing is the best it can be. I am saying use caution with who you share it with and at what stage you share your work. If you’ve built up a foundation, a plan for your book and you are firmly grounded in the path you’re going, you’ll be prepared to let others read your work and take honest feedback and criticism. You’ll be able to decide if it’s valid or if the feedback takes you off your plan.

The moral of the story. Surround yourself with others who have more experience. If you can, get a book coach or join a writing group that fits your needs. Share when you are FIRMLY planted in your idea and won’t take negative advice to heart.

 *Writing groups are IMPORTANT to writers. But I caution you to be in a group that fits the type of book you’re writing and has people with MORE experience than you. There are a lot of Facebook and LinkedIn groups. I see new writers all the time asking questions, and they get answers that are mixed messages or contradict each other = confusion. Then doubt. The quitting. Be in a group of likeminded people you trust and who have a better skill set than you.

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