Constructive Criticism and Where To Find It
Once you've got a good start on your novel or you've completed the rough draft of your manuscript, it's time to enter the editing phase. This is the point where you let go of your baby and see if it can stand alone. It's not an easy step, but necessary in the publishing process. The first step is Proofreading. While it's difficult to proofread your own work, you will catch mistakes.
If you would prefer your manuscript to be a little more polished before you let others critique it, you can always run it through editing software like Editor by Serenity Software. Editor will set you back $55 for the standard version, but it will find mistakes and inconsistencies that you will initially miss during your proofread. Personally, if I bought every 50-dollar piece of software that I could benefit from, I'd have no space on my computer AND I'd be broke.
Finding an Objective Eye
More than likely, as you seek out a beta reader or critique partner to put an objective pair of eyes on your draft, you're going to have to count on getting lucky. There are communities online dedicated to such pairings but the caveat is it will be difficult to find a dedicated reader and you may be expected to return the favor. If you haven't started using Twitter to meet and interact with other writers, now's a good time to start. That's the next post.
You can also find readers by blogging. Those who take the time to comment are already reading what you're putting down. Most Writers' forums have an area where you can post your work for critique. I suggest that you find a writers' community where you feel comfortable, interact, and post some good information BEFORE you ask for critiques. You should never have to pay a beta reader, but remember, the relationship is usually a reciprocal one where you will be asked to critique your partner's work as well. Look for someone in your genre. Writers' communities are a dime a dozen.
What's Next?
It's time to hire an editor. After you've done everything you can to get your work to a polished state, bring in an editor. Why now? Well, because it will be a less time-consuming task at this stage in the game. It's always a good idea to send the editor you choose a sample to edit so you will have an idea of their editing style and what you are getting for your money.
Why Are These Steps Are So Important?
As an indie publisher, the odds and resources are stacked against you. Following these steps will ensure that your work is on a level with mainstream publishing. Churning out the best product you can helps quell the stereotype that indie publishing is less professional and shows readers that you are serious about writing and providing them with the best product possible.
