So I just sent off a manuscript draft to a handful of great folks who have volunteered their time as beta readers. Getting feedback for my stories is a big part of the revision process, because it provides invaluable perspectives on the story. Lets me know if there are any big weak spots, if any characters or action scenes need a boost or any other issues that I’ve overlooked.
Feedback can be a tricky thing to work with, partly because every reader is different. They want different things from a story, and a particular scene or character that one reader enjoys might fall flat for another. The way I usually deal with a variety of feedback is by looking for the themes…the issues that are mentioned over and over. If one reviewer says a scene is too slow or that they don’t like a character, but three other readers all like that scene and character, then it’s a safe bet that things are okay. But if the situation is reversed and I’ve got three or more reviewers all saying the same thing, then I know the issue needs addressing.
And if I don’t agree with what the reviewers are pointing out, I try to force myself to ask, “Why?” What am I so stuck on that I can’t accept this feedback? Is it a scene I thought was humorous but really doesn’t do the job? A character I need to remove or drastically change? Am I afraid of the work involved, or are the readers just not getting what I was trying to do? And if they aren’t, why not?
Of course, I have the usual worries of “Will they like it? What if the story flat-out sucks?” The reality is, though, I want my reviewers to let me know if the story, or parts of it, suck. Because then I at least have the opportunity to fix the issues. To “un-suck” it, if you will. And it can also be encouraging to get some positive feedback in the process, to learn what works and what they enjoyed.
What’s your feedback process? Are you involved in a writing/critique group, whether online or in your area? Have some trusted folks who get first dibs on reading your new story?