When my mom and sister read my first novel (which took several years to finish), they gently told me they hated it. At first, I was hurt and rejected their criticism, but later realized it actually sucked. I've written quite a bit since then, and that first novel is safely tucked away in a drawer, probably never to see the light of day. In retrospect, I'm glad for their honest criticism, because it disabused me of the idea that everything I put to paper is worth reading.
I used to be worried about writing certain things because of what friends and family would think...I quickly learned to write whatever I want, because my friends and family won't read it anyway LOL
The rule of thumb is never to have friends and family read your work because they don’t know how to critique correctly. I had my four adult children read at different times to help me understand stuff because I wasn’t an English major, not that they were, but they were smarter than me, and they taught me a lot about writing. I joined writer groups and had people there, who are learning to become writers, critique my work. Trust that Avenue better than those who love you. Also, the more you read for others the better you will become as a writer.
Excellent video. I've never thought about bad reviews or non-awards, because just finishing these books has been hard enough, lol. So thanks for the heads up...now I'll at least be forewarned.
“Didn’t win a Pulitzer” seems like a nice problem to have if that’s your biggest. What’s much more common is inattentive/unhelpful publishers and agents who ostensibly signed up to help you and your book, but don’t actually contribute much. I’ve published with three major publishing houses and none of them invested much in promoting the books. In fact, publishers do almost nothing for their writers anymore, compared to when I first dreamed of becoming an author decades ago. Love to see a video on this, because it’s still a common expectation among beginners that once you’re published, you’re “set”.
I've had to deal with my sister reading my manuscript and not quite understanding the characters of my middle-grade novel. Some of her feedback proved that despite her best attempts to read my book, my book is probably not one written for her. I'm note really sure what she was expecting. Lol. She wasn't the only one to poke at some rough spots, though, which is why I'm not too broken up about the feedback. Some of what was pointed out, I already knew. XD
I really relate with this! I've had dozens of people say they absolutely love and understand my YA manuscript, and then one person totally misunderstood everything which made me question myself for a while but I quickly got back up, realizing that it was for sure on them and not on me!
Haha. Anytime I ask my wife to read something I’ve written, she reads it and gives no feedback. When I push, she says, “It’s good.” Pushing further gets me no more detailed feedback.
I sent an early draft of my novel to my two best friends. Its a heart warming family saga, but it does have some sex - straight wedding night sex, but its explicit. Neither one has spoken to me since. 😂 👍🤗😈 I’m taking this as a good sign.
Great advice! I don't know if this is something every author faces, but I think most authors have strengths and weaknesses,. Hopefully, they figure these out and decide to either lean into their strengths or put lots of work into their weaknesses. Some weaknesses have to be fixed and that can be a long process with ups and downs. Authors can be bruised by disappointing external critiques and also their internal self-evaluations.
Thanks for your very useful info. Can you please give me your expertise on this: Can you choose an agent who works closely with a certain specific 5:58 publisher? This involves a non fiction manuscript. Thanks.
Shannon Hale has said before that she wishes she knew that no one comes to your book signing for your first, second, and possibly third book. Some writers are lucky, but not all.
My advice, pay beta readers. At least they give value feedback and read the entire lot. These who I didn't pay for, never gave feedback or stopped half way through and remained radio silent. My struggle, is getting reviews. I should have over 50 for each book, and yet, not a single one has reached 20.
Dear Alyssa, about submitting my query letter, Should I be using the mail IDs provided in the publishing house webpages such as new leaf literary agency or others? Or Should I be using the mail IDs of the agents provided in the publishers marketplace or such other websites you've mentioned countless times in your videos? Which is the practical way to approach? I am confused, can you please guide me...
I’m not sure I would have written and edited my novel if I knew what a letdown the query process is like. It’s disheartening but at least the fucker is done.
My god, authors seem boring. Can I be the alternative to the calm, peaceful tea drinking glasses dork author and be the Anti institutional, chaotic rum and dope smoking writer who provocatively tries to piss on narratives and beliefs ? A nihilistic writer echoing the zeitgeist of the 90s with the "I don't give a shit about your beliefs" ethos of the Nintendo generation
I'm just a random commenter here, but you sound like an insufferable person with no purpose in life other than look down on others to give yourself a false sense of value. From the way you write, I bet you're a tryhard author who failed because they think they are better than others but actually just write empty words, and you can't face that reality. Thank you for making me feel good about myself, seeing pathetic existences like yours here in the comments section.
When my mom and sister read my first novel (which took several years to finish), they gently told me they hated it. At first, I was hurt and rejected their criticism, but later realized it actually sucked. I've written quite a bit since then, and that first novel is safely tucked away in a drawer, probably never to see the light of day. In retrospect, I'm glad for their honest criticism, because it disabused me of the idea that everything I put to paper is worth reading.
I used to be worried about writing certain things because of what friends and family would think...I quickly learned to write whatever I want, because my friends and family won't read it anyway LOL
Or you'll get "Very nice, dear," and you'll KNOW they didn't read it!
The rule of thumb is never to have friends and family read your work because they don’t know how to critique correctly. I had my four adult children read at different times to help me understand stuff because I wasn’t an English major, not that they were, but they were smarter than me, and they taught me a lot about writing. I joined writer groups and had people there, who are learning to become writers, critique my work. Trust that Avenue better than those who love you. Also, the more you read for others the better you will become as a writer.
Haha, I thought it was just MY family...😂
Excellent video. I've never thought about bad reviews or non-awards, because just finishing these books has been hard enough, lol. So thanks for the heads up...now I'll at least be forewarned.
There are lots of let downs, and that’s okay. We have to do it because we love it, right?
If I had an author event and 2 people showed up I would love it.
I haven’t shared anything with family in such a long time 😂 I’m about to for the first time in a while and ngl kinda nervous 😅 lmao
Feedback in a timely manner and getting readers to post reviews. Two things that take forever, but are the life-blood of authors.
Thank you Alyssa! Great advice, especially when it comes to family and friends
“Didn’t win a Pulitzer” seems like a nice problem to have if that’s your biggest.
What’s much more common is inattentive/unhelpful publishers and agents who ostensibly signed up to help you and your book, but don’t actually contribute much. I’ve published with three major publishing houses and none of them invested much in promoting the books. In fact, publishers do almost nothing for their writers anymore, compared to when I first dreamed of becoming an author decades ago.
Love to see a video on this, because it’s still a common expectation among beginners that once you’re published, you’re “set”.
I've had to deal with my sister reading my manuscript and not quite understanding the characters of my middle-grade novel. Some of her feedback proved that despite her best attempts to read my book, my book is probably not one written for her. I'm note really sure what she was expecting. Lol. She wasn't the only one to poke at some rough spots, though, which is why I'm not too broken up about the feedback. Some of what was pointed out, I already knew. XD
I really relate with this! I've had dozens of people say they absolutely love and understand my YA manuscript, and then one person totally misunderstood everything which made me question myself for a while but I quickly got back up, realizing that it was for sure on them and not on me!
Thanks Alyssa!
Haha. Anytime I ask my wife to read something I’ve written, she reads it and gives no feedback. When I push, she says, “It’s good.” Pushing further gets me no more detailed feedback.
Omigosh, my husband does the same. I hear some spouses are good at it...🤔
I sent an early draft of my novel to my two best friends. Its a heart warming family saga, but it does have some sex - straight wedding night sex, but its explicit. Neither one has spoken to me since. 😂 👍🤗😈 I’m taking this as a good sign.
@@Hoots522 I'm not a romance novel reader, but I did read one written by my sister, and they're racy these days. Sounds like you're on track to me! ;D
Great advice! I don't know if this is something every author faces, but I think most authors have strengths and weaknesses,. Hopefully, they figure these out and decide to either lean into their strengths or put lots of work into their weaknesses. Some weaknesses have to be fixed and that can be a long process with ups and downs. Authors can be bruised by disappointing external critiques and also their internal self-evaluations.
Finally more points in advice.
Thanks for your very useful info. Can you please give me your expertise on this: Can you choose an agent who works closely with a certain specific 5:58 publisher? This involves a non fiction manuscript. Thanks.
Lol you look so empathetic in that thumbnail
Shannon Hale has said before that she wishes she knew that no one comes to your book signing for your first, second, and possibly third book. Some writers are lucky, but not all.
My agent has sent my debut novel out to 8 of the major imprints so far. It's been almost 2 months and no feedback yet :(
Most of these are pretty aspirational. Low attendance at an author event?? I'll be over the moon if I even LAND an author event!
you channel is gold
My two cents here; When something or someone causes you disappointment in your writing career, do this one thing: KEEP WRITING. IMMEDIATELY.
My advice, pay beta readers. At least they give value feedback and read the entire lot. These who I didn't pay for, never gave feedback or stopped half way through and remained radio silent.
My struggle, is getting reviews. I should have over 50 for each book, and yet, not a single one has reached 20.
Dear Alyssa, about submitting my query letter, Should I be using the mail IDs provided in the publishing house webpages such as new leaf literary agency or others? Or Should I be using the mail IDs of the agents provided in the publishers marketplace or such other websites you've mentioned countless times in your videos? Which is the practical way to approach? I am confused, can you please guide me...
I’m not sure I would have written and edited my novel if I knew what a letdown the query process is like. It’s disheartening but at least the fucker is done.
What are your thoughts on reedsy?
Ignore all this fear mongering and just enjoy writing for the joy you experience yourself please.
My god, authors seem boring.
Can I be the alternative to the calm, peaceful tea drinking glasses dork author and be the Anti institutional, chaotic rum and dope smoking writer who provocatively tries to piss on narratives and beliefs ?
A nihilistic writer echoing the zeitgeist of the 90s with the "I don't give a shit about your beliefs" ethos of the Nintendo generation
I'm just a random commenter here, but you sound like an insufferable person with no purpose in life other than look down on others to give yourself a false sense of value. From the way you write, I bet you're a tryhard author who failed because they think they are better than others but actually just write empty words, and you can't face that reality. Thank you for making me feel good about myself, seeing pathetic existences like yours here in the comments section.