Writing 101: Finish it First
Often, authors feel insecurity. You'll doubt, and second-guess, and wonder...and you'll worry. And I know it's tempting to share ideas, plot points, even whole chapters with close confidants. But you shouldn't. If you're writing a manuscript, wait to share it. Finish it first.
Other People's Opinions
Even authors are only human, and you're going to be influenced by other people. In fact, as an author you should be. Reviews are most beneficial not to readers but to authors. They provide honest feedback, and that's what every author needs.
That's why it seems like such a good idea to solicit advice from those closest to you. But if you start getting that advice before the book is done, it's could change the course of your story. You could be influenced by others, and then it's not wholly your story anymore.
I'm not saying you should give up your beta readers. But you should finish the manuscript before you hand it over. Make sure that if you're going to receive criticism, you're getting it for something that's totally yours.
Finish, yes, but be open to that feedback you receive. Bets readers are a good idea, and sometimes you will need to make changes. Sometimes, you do need to be influenced. Just wait until your early readers can get the whole picture first.
Other People's Opinions
Even authors are only human, and you're going to be influenced by other people. In fact, as an author you should be. Reviews are most beneficial not to readers but to authors. They provide honest feedback, and that's what every author needs.
That's why it seems like such a good idea to solicit advice from those closest to you. But if you start getting that advice before the book is done, it's could change the course of your story. You could be influenced by others, and then it's not wholly your story anymore.
I'm not saying you should give up your beta readers. But you should finish the manuscript before you hand it over. Make sure that if you're going to receive criticism, you're getting it for something that's totally yours.
Finish, yes, but be open to that feedback you receive. Bets readers are a good idea, and sometimes you will need to make changes. Sometimes, you do need to be influenced. Just wait until your early readers can get the whole picture first.
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Thanks for your comment, Christine. There is certainly merit to what you're saying, but even authors aren't necessarily qualified to tell other authors how to write their books. Authors can share tips and tidbits from their own lives, of course, and that's helpful. In my experience, the most honest feedback does come from reviewers. Nothing can replace the comments an author receives from someone who has actually read their work.
Your comments in general were very good and I do agree with them with this one exception. Rarely does a reader provide useful feedback. They review the book and express their opinion. I agree that every writer needs input/feedback on their MS, whether it's Beta readers, or friends, or online critiques. Those writers then need to decide what feedback works for them and what doesn't. Feedback from reviews only comes after publication when the MS should be a done deal.
Reviews provide an opinion for READERS to use in their selection of their next read. I don't believe a writer should be concerned with reviews. It's totally unfair and unprofessional to expect readers to pay for your book and then provide writing tips/feedback as well.
The huge number of books, blogs, and articles on the subject of writing, is what writers should be referencing.