If you’re a new author having a hard time getting quality feedback on your manuscript, you’re not alone. But it could be that you’re looking in the wrong places. It could also be that your manuscript needs a bit more work before asking for feedback.
The shape it’s in, and who you ask, all matter a lot when it comes to getting productive feedback on your manuscript. You may also need to offer guidance on the kind of feedback you want.
First, What Shape is Your Manuscript in?
No matter who you ask for feedback on your manuscript, or how far along you are in the process, if it’s not in good shape you’ll either run into delays or the feedback you do get will be subpar. This often has less to do with who you ask and more to do with what you expect from readers.
The truth is, a mess of a first draft is going to be distracting. If there are typos, formatting issues, and wild inconsistencies, then reading it will be a slog. Remember, you’re asking a favor. You’ll get the best quality feedback, and people will be more eager to be helpful, if you’ve done a self-edit first. Also, don’t forget to make sure it’s formatted correctly. It could be worthwile to determine if your book idea is marketable first as well. Not every great idea makes sense to everyone, and it may not be appealing to readers. If your manuscript has an appealing plot or premise, they’ll be more invested in reading it.
How do you know if your book is marketable? Read this post to find out.
What level of self-editing is expected before asking someone for feedback on your manuscript? Find out more about that here.
And formatting? What should that look like? This guide will help.
Get Feedback on Your Manuscript from Peers and Pros to Get the Most Out of it!
Yes, asking friends and family for feedback on your manuscript may seem like a logical first choice, but it can be the least helpful and reliable. Why? Well, there are many reasons this can be the case. Mostly, it’s that those close to you may not always be honest and forthright with their opinions. They also may not be as interested as you assume, even if they’re supportive.
This can lead to them dropping the ball. You can also expect that, unless you’re asking among avid readers, that they won’t be sure of what they should be looking for, or what kind of feedback is helpful.
This is why it’s always best to stick to your peers (other writers) and the pros in the game (editors, instructors, and beta readers). These are the people who know what kind of advice to give and how to help you improve your manuscript.
Colleges and Universities Offer A Wealth of Assistance
You don’t have to be seeking a degree to benefit from higher education. Most colleges and universities offer continuing education programs, or allow non-enrolled students to audit courses. Because creative writing is such a popular endeavor, many institutions offer these kinds of programs. There you’ll have access to high-quality feedback on your manuscript and a chance to really improve your writing skills.
In creative writing courses you’ll get instruction and feedback from your professors or instructors that can be invaluable. Some courses are in a workshop format where you can also work out the kinks with your peers. Plus, these classes will keep you on task and hold you accountable for actually doing the work. They offer the structure and expected standards that you can’t get anywhere else.
Get Feedback on Your Manuscript from Those in the Game
Believe it or not there are a ton of writing groups and organizations all over the country. Yes, there may even be one in your area that you weren’t aware of. Finding one, and one that fits, may take some research, but it will be worth it if you end up in a solid writers group.
Each writing group is different in how they operate and how they meet, but you’re sure to find people willing to give feedback on your manuscript. This may happen even if it’s not in the formal setting of the group. In other words, you meet people and make connections in these groups.
The benefit of writers groups are that they are filled with other people just like you. They understand what it’s like and they likely know how to give valuable critiques and feedback. Plus, you’ll feel less like you’re asking a huge favor because they’re in the same boat. You can even offer to trade manuscripts and give feedback on theirs. You can learn a lot from that sort of interaction!
Writing groups also offer the support and accountability that keeps you motivated to improve and keep writing!
If you don’t have a local group in your area, do some research. You may find some online writing groups to join. Those are a thing too.
Here’s a list of writer’s groups by state to start you off.
Those Familiar with the Fundamentals Know the Assignment
There are a whole bunch of people out there willing to give you feedback on your manuscript! Of course, you’ll likely have to pay them. But these fees aren’t all high. Paid beta readers generally ask very small fees, while manuscript evaluations can cost more. Developmental editing can definitely get expensive, but will be totally worth it, especially if you haven’t gotten any prior outside feedback.
Beta Readers
Did you know you can use beta readers to get feedback on your manuscript? Beta readers are like a test market. They can be a gauge for how well your book will do with an actual audience. They can provide feedback and critiques as well. Beta reading is usually done before your final editing phase and generally, closer to publishing. But if you find a good beta reader who reads in your genre, their early feedback can help shape your manuscript into the final product.
Just keep in mind that without guidance, the feedback can vary. If you want to get the most out of the experience, set expectations and ask specific questions so they’ll have an idea what to pay attention to as they read.
You can read more about the beta reading process and how to get the most out of it here.
Manuscript Evaluation
It should be noted that getting feedback on your manuscript at this level will require a very polished manuscript. A manuscript evaluation, ideally, offers an in-depth critique of the core elements of your book. Basically, they’ll let you know what is working and what isn’t, and offer suggestions for improvement. Manuscript evaluation is also much more budget friendly than a full developmental edit.
Many freelancers will evaluate manuscripts and you can find them on sites like Fiverr, but your results may vary there. Book coaches, publishing consultants, and developmental editors also offer manuscript evaluations. Another great place to get an evaluation is via workshops offered at writers conferences and festivals. These events often have pros available to help with all phases of the process.
Developmental Editing Provides In-Depth Feedback on Your Manuscript, and Helps Shape Your Book
Developmental editing usually takes place once you have a complete manuscript or a very close to complete one (you have an outline for where it’s going). This editing is done before final edits and will help shape your story. Everything from plot details, to missing elements, to guidance on where the story needs to go can happen during developmental editing. It’s more than feedback on your manuscript, it’s all the work that goes into getting your book ready to publish. It can also help you improve your writing, because the guidance is pretty detailed. Just make sure you do the research to find a good editor.
Feedback is Necessary, Where You Get it and What You Put in is Up to You
Now you know there are several options you can use to get productive feedback on your manuscript. You also know that these options offer far better results than asking friends and family. Of course, the kind of feedback you get will depend on what you have access to, your needs, and your budget.
But it should be noted that the best results always come from choosing to process quality feedback, and the willingness to improve your writing skills. Even before you ask for critiques and feedback, taking writing courses and joining groups and workshops will hone your skills and boost your confidence. Reading more in your genre and even studying books on the craft will make you a better writer too. And of course, a good round of self-editing will always improve your work.
So, yes, getting quality feedback on your manuscript is possible. It just may take a little work!
Tell us about your experiences with critique and feedback in the comments. Which route did you take?
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