Comments on: Extreme Manuscript Makeover: Phone A Friend

By: Extreme Manuscript Makeover: Get Polished | Write It Sideways

Extreme Manuscript Makeover: Get Polished | Write It Sideways — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:35:34 +0000

[...] me next time for Extreme Manuscript Makeover: Phone A Friend, where you’ll discover the best and most reliable sources of critical feedback for your [...]

By: Extreme Manuscript Makeover: Your Dream Date | Write It Sideways

Extreme Manuscript Makeover: Your Dream Date | Write It Sideways — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:26:55 +0000

[...] your book. But it wasn’t until you worked through Bare It All , Tone It Up, Get Polished and Phone A Friend, that your manuscript was truly in good enough shape for [...]

By: swfreeman

swfreeman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:03:03 +0000

Jeffrey,
I think you're right about having friends and family read your work, but I still wouldn't recommend them as your sole source of feedback. If you use their opinions in conjunction with other reliable sources, I think their opinions can be helpful, like you say. I wanted people, especially those just starting out, to be aware that they may get rave reviews from those who are close to them, but their manuscript might be nowhere near suitable for submission. I wouldn't want someone to go blindly into submitting their book to an agent or publisher before it was ready. Thanks!

By: Jeffrey Tang

Jeffrey Tang — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:54:02 +0000

While I like the idea of using a manuscript assessment agency, I do think there are some advantages to having friends and family ("ordinary people") critique your work. They may not be professional writers, but that can be a blessing in disguise. After all, not everyone who reads your book will be a great writer or editor. It's often to get feedback from people not suffering from the "curse of knowledge."

By: swfreeman

swfreeman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:01:29 +0000

Hi Francoise,
That's excellent that you learned something new, regarding manuscript assessment. There are a lot of people, especially those who write as a hobby or those just starting out, who would never have really known about them as an option for critical feedback. Keep writing!

By: Françoise

Françoise — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:47:42 +0000

Hi Suzannah,
thanks for this good post, I didn't know until now, that something like a Manuscript Assessment Agency exists. It's great to share with others and learn from others! Continue with your good work.

By: swfreeman

swfreeman — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:17:53 +0000

Jennifer,
I'm glad this article has given you some direction. It's true, I can think of a couple of family members or friends who might give it to me straight, but I would still rather have a more objective opinion. Of course, the more opinions you get, the clearer picture you get. Thanks.

By: Jennifer Broughton

Jennifer Broughton — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:30:49 +0000

Suzannah- You are so right. While friends and family can be depended on for encouragement and support, they may not be the most appropriate choice for constructive criticism. Your article has given me some much needed direction. Thank you!!

Jennifer Broughton