These days, authors have to work much harder to get their work in the
public eye. We have to have an understanding of how to market ourselves and our
books (especially those who indie or self publish); we have to network,
maintain blogs and keep up a social media presence.
A great deal of this work is done behind the scenes so it doesn’t
matter if you’re sitting at your computer in scruffy jeans and a sweatshirt
that could double as a wash rag for your car. BUT what does matter is your
attitude. Let me explain . . .
A very good friend of mine is Senior Editor for a publishing company
and obviously has a large number of manuscripts to read through and give feedback
on. She confided in me recently that a proportion of writers go ballistic when
given constructive criticism on how to improve their work in readiness for
possible publication. How professional is that?
I was pretty gobsmacked by this. If you ask someone to beta read your
work or you submit it to an agent or publisher, you should be prepared and
ready to accept their opinion. Let’s face it – are any of us so perfect that we
can submit a flawless manuscript first time every time? No, of course we’re
not. We edit and revise over and over until we think it’s the best it can be,
but there’s always room for another perspective, another opinion and
improvement.
My writing is precious to me; I’ve nurtured it and watched it grow from
a weak seedling to a strong forest. I’ve edited and revised several times
before placing it in the hands of a beta reader. Yet, am I so arrogant about my
work that their views don’t count?
NO!
I know my work isn’t as perfect as I’d like it to be and I know I’m too
close to it to see the flaws. That’s why I welcome critique from industry
professionals.
Now don’t go thinking I’m some kind of masochist and that I get a kick
out of my blood, sweat and tears being trampled on with hobnail boots. What I do get a kick out of, is receiving good,
honest, constructive criticism before I take that final step and submit my work
for publication. I don’t want to embarrass myself or waste an agent’s or
publisher’s time by sending a pile of crap – I want my work to have a strong
voice not a whimper!
So before you ask someone to beta read your work, ask yourself if you
are ready to receive feedback that you may not like. If the answer is ‘no’ then
don’t send it! If you can’t take constructive criticism without spitting the
dummy then how professional are you being? Is your beta reader likely to want
to help you in the future? Remember, publishing is a business (and a damn hard
one at that) and if you can’t be professional in your business dealings then
you won’t get very far.
As for me – I say, bring on the hobnail boots! I’ll listen, I’ll learn,
I’ll improve, I’ll be professional and I WILL go far!
Carlie M A Cullen:
Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing. She has been an administrator and marketer all her working life and is also a professional teacher of Ballroom and Latin American dancing. Carlie has always written in some form or another, but Heart Search: Lost is her first novel.Carlie currently lives in an Essex village with her daughter.
Check out Carlie's blog HERE
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As always, find interviews, writing samples, videos, contests and more on my re-vamped website.
6-5-2012
