We’re hitting the midpoint of November. For those of you participating in NaNoWriMo, hopefully that means you’re starting to see a path towards the finish line. Maybe you’re furiously writing toward the end of your first-ever novel, or maybe you’ve been using this month to look over draft number 50. Either way, getting feedback on your work is a vital step to ensure your words hit their mark.
But where to find that all-important second set of eyes? Who do you turn to when your first draft is done? Here are four options for getting honest feedback on your novel before sending it out into the world.
Writing and Critique Groups
Perhaps the easiest route if you’ve never gotten critique or feedback on your work before is a good old-fashioned writing group. Though it highly depends on the particular group and the individuals involved, I’ve always found local write-together groups super friendly and welcoming. And dedicated critique groups are a godsend for anyone looking to build both their craft and their writing community.
That said, finding your local writer’s haven can be the hardest part about getting involved. My first resource has always been Meetup. There, you can find both peer-to-peer groups and more structured classes. However, if you live out of the way or are in a locale with a sparse literary scene, there are some good online options available — such as Scribophile.
Just remember, unless you’re part of a dedicated genre group, you’ll often be getting a wide range of opinions when you share your work. Not all readers may be your target audience. Then again, there’s an argument to be made that you get just as much (and sometimes more) out of reading and critiquing the works of others as you do when you receive feedback on your own work.
Beta Readers and Critique Partners
If you already have a few literary friends and acquaintances, consider asking someone you trust to beta read your complete draft. Ever since finishing my MA, I’ve had a handful of close writer friends. We all swap drafts with each other. Unlike a wider critique group, this means that we are already invested in each others’ craft and success. Plus, we all know what to expect from each others’ writing and feedback.
It also means that I can get feedback on my novels in their entirety, instead of getting different people to feedback on different chapters. Even if you haven’t yet built your writing community, you can search for dedicated critique partners through websites like CritiqueMatch. Just remember to give back to your betas. And take anything your friends tell you with a grain of salt.
Freelance Editors
One thing I will say is: both of the suggestions above can take a lot of time. This is especially true if you’re looking for feedback on a complete first draft, or if you’re just starting to build your community. If you want faster feedback that will set you up for writing and publishing success, sometimes asking an industry professional — ie: hiring a freelance book editor in your genre — is the best way forward.
Of course, editorial services can be pricey. But especially if you’re planning to self-publish, working with a developmental editor is a great idea. It can help fix your plot holes and deepen your characters in a much more direct way than waiting for three rounds of feedback from your betas.
As well, most book editors also offer more pared-back services, such as a manuscript assessment. This can give you a higher-level look at what’s working in your story and what’s not. If you’re curious about what it’s like working with a freelance editor, always feel free to get in touch with me. I’d be happy to tell you more.
Mentorships and Classes
Finally, if you’re looking for in-depth industry knowledge without the hefty price tag of a one-to-one developmental edit, mentorships and writing classes could be for you. I cannot stress just how valuable programs such as Write Mentor have been for me in developing my writing. And the best part? Some of these programs are completely free!
For writers, as people who spend so much time in our own heads, critique is often the vital link between the story we envisage and the story that makes it onto the page. It’s so important to get feedback, not just from peer critique partners and loyal beta readers, but also from a professional perspective. Hopefully, now, you have a few ideas on where to find it.
