Writing a book is a big deal. Whether you’ve written one or ten, whether you write it yourself or work with a ghostwriter. A book is a big deal. It’s a little piece of you. It’s a culmination of your stories, your insights, your time, and your energy.
It’s common to want to seek feedback from others during the process. You want the book to be the best it can be, and oftentimes, authors will want to ensure there aren’t blind spots and that what they’re conveying aligns with their goals.
However, it’s also important to ensure that your book still stays true to you. Books are incredibly subjective. There are no right or wrong answers. You feel that in your writing, and you’ll see it in the feedback you receive from others.
So here’s how to help elevate your book with feedback from others while continuing to keep it your own.
Share with a Trusted Circle
You should only share your book with a trusted circle. You want to share it with people who will actually give you feedback. You don’t just want people telling you it’s great because they don’t want to hurt your feelings or can’t view it somewhat objectively. But you also want to share it with a circle that is supportive and understands you, your goals, and your voice.
You’ll also want to make sure to share it with people who are focused on you and your goals. You don’t want to share it with someone who has their own agenda because their motives and bias will permeate their feedback.
Finally, if you’re writing a book, you’re likely showing vulnerable parts of yourself in that book, and at this phase, they aren’t fully polished. Make sure you have reviewers who can hold space for this.
Critically Evaluate the Feedback
It’s important not to blindly accept all feedback just because it comes from those you trust. Most feedback is well-intentioned, but you need to evaluate it in the context of your beliefs and your goals for the book.
It’s important to first understand if the feedback is fact or opinion. Is the reviewer pointing out something you truly just goofed on and need to correct? Or is it a more subjective suggestion? If it’s more subjective, see if it aligns with your objectives for the book and your overall belief system before accepting it. The book is ultimately a reflection of you.
When going through this evaluation process, it’s also important to understand the personalities of those providing feedback. Their own background, beliefs, and roles will impact the type of feedback they provide. It’s important for you to have that lens when determining how to incorporate their suggestions.
Maintain Your Voice
Aside from the content, you’ll also want to ensure that the feedback aligns with your voice. This is twofold.
If someone is providing feedback on grammar, phrasing, etc., make sure it’s an actual improvement that matches your voice and not just a preference that suits someone else’s style. Some people prefer a more conversational tone, while others prefer a more formal tone. Beyond the tone, it’s important to recognize that we can make up our own grammar rules to a certain extent in our books to reflect our voice. If you’ve done that and someone is simply trying to make your voice reflect grammar rules, proceed cautiously. If a section of the book is confusing, it’s great feedback to adjust the grammar. If the reviewer just wants the grammar to be correct but it’s clear what’s being said, feel free to pass.
Furthermore, if someone provides suggested content edits, you don’t need to just accept them as is. Make sure that you frame whatever is being suggested in your voice and tone. This keeps the book your own, and it also maintains continuity for the reader.
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Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.