I often find that authors want other trusted people in their circle to review their manuscript. This seems pretty harmless. And there can definitely be benefits to this, but it’s important to strike a balance. It’s great to get opinions from people who can help add value to the book, but it’s important not to muddy the waters of your book in either the content you present or how your voice comes through.
In one of my previous blogs, I talked about how to manage receiving feedback from others on your manuscript. This week, I want to take a step even further back. Before even asking for feedback, it’s important to have a strategy around it.
How many people are you planning to ask? How much time are you going to give them? What exactly are you asking them to look at?
To have reviews from other people be most effective, it’s important to be intentional in your approach.
More Feedback, More Time
The first thing to consider when determining how much feedback you want to seek during the actual writing process is that getting feedback often adds time to the process. By throwing more reviewers into the mix, you’ll typically add more time to the process.
Everyone reads at different speeds and has different priorities. When you seek feedback from others on your manuscript, you’ll want to give them a deadline to provide that feedback. This should be a reasonable amount of time so that they can be thoughtful in their approach, but you also don’t want to lose your own momentum.
You’ll then need to allow yourself time to incorporate that feedback. It’s important to keep in mind that the more reviewers you have, the more feedback you’ll likely receive. You’ll want to allow yourself (or your ghostwriter) sufficient editing time to account for this.
Some authors aren’t worried about time at all. Some have a deadline they want to meet. Your circumstances will play a role in how many people, if any, you may ask to review.
The Nature of the Feedback
If you’re going to ask for opinions before finalizing your manuscript, be sure to ask for high-level, conceptual feedback. You want to know if there’s anything that’s confusing, if there are any parts that feel like a side quest to the main objective, if there’s anything significant that seems to be missing or that should be removed, etc.
You’re not looking for language changes, changing the structure of the book, or other technical or nuanced types of feedback. In fairness to your reviewers, you’ll want to remind them of where you’re at in the process. If they are reviewing your manuscript before it’s finalized, you want to make sure that they know it will still be going to an editor and a proofreader who will get into the nitty-gritty. You’re simply asking for conceptual feedback at this point.
If you don’t specify the type of feedback you’d like to receive and have several people reviewing your manuscript, you’re likely to be left feeling overwhelmed with the feedback. Everyone has their own opinions and preferences, especially when it comes to something as creative as a book. You don’t want to lose the forest for the trees. It’s ultimately your book that you’ve poured your heart and soul into. If you love it, keep rolling with it and simply ask reviewers to catch any blind spots.
Beta Readers
If you still want others to be involved in the creation and launch of your book but don’t want people to have their hands or opinions in it before it’s been finalized, you can enlist beta readers before launch.
These people can read your book before it’s officially launched and provide support where you need it. These readers can provide testimonials for you to use in your marketing, on the back cover, etc. You can also bring them along for the launch process. They can help promote your book to others before, during, and after launch day so you can reach a bigger audience.
This approach helps you to be able to involve others without adding to your timeline or risking muddying the waters with too many opinions.
Been itching to write a book but can’t seem to find the precious time and energy to do it? I’m your girl! I ghostwrite and coach non-fiction business, leadership, and personal development books. If you’d love to create a book in this genre, book a free strategy session using the button below, and let’s chat!
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.