Feedback is important

My next work in progress, On Higher Ground, is sitting on an editor's desk. What's sitting there now isn't what I originally sent in; it's a whole new book. The editor, Goldie Browning of Storyteller Publishing, gave me some honest feedback that spurred an extensive rewrite. I'm much happier with the story now. Her feedback helped me solve some problems; parts of the book that weren't completely satisfying. I added two new characters, and turned one of the "bad guys" into a guy that's down on his luck and at a crossroads.
So, I'd like to encourage all of you to give authors honest feedback. It's a gift to us. Tell us what you honestly think in a way that will help us improve our writing.
I've had people turn down a request to read a work in progress because they were afraid of hurting my feelings. Actually, an honest opinion helps save my feelings. If I can make an improvement before the book gets into print, I might be saved from being rejected by an editor. I might be saved from being disappointed by a bad review.
So if you have a friend who writes, and they ask for your opinion, be kind, but be honest. And if the book makes it to print, take the time to write a review here on Good Reads, on Amazon, B&N or any other blog you participate in.
And if you have, thank you.