Robert Warner
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hello, Michael! I recently devoured your Riyria series and enjoyed it immensely. I've also been impressed with how active you seem to be with your fans and the community here at Goodreads, which drove me to ask this question. I'm an aspiring amateur writer myself, but I've been having trouble getting feedback on my work. Do you have any advice on methods or avenues through which to ask for comments or reviews?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Robert. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tales. When you say "comments or reviews" that seems to imply that you've published something, but you also indicated getting feedback as an aspiring author. The reason I bring this up is the technique would be different if you are pre- or post-publication. I'm going to assume pre-, if the latter, submit another Q&A and I'll answer that.
When you begin writing, it's really quite hard to see your work with objective eyes. Feedback from others is absolutely critical to helping you improve your work to a publishable level. Generally, there are two types:
Writer Critiques - these are received by joining a group where writer's exchange their works between one another. You read and comment on their work, and they do likewise for you. This sounds like it's time-consuming (and it is) but it's VERY helpful. In fact, I've found you learn more by reading others works because as you write your critique telling them not to do (a) or (b) or (c) you'll realize you actually did that in your own writing. You can find these groups both "in person" (try meetup.com) or online (do a google search for Writer Critique Groups).
Beta Readers - are, well, readers (in other words it shouldn't be people who are also aspiring authors - as I covered that group above). It's best if you don't know these people, and it's also beneficial if you can give them some structure for providing feedback. There are plenty of groups here on Goodreads where people volunteer for beta reading - just do a search on Community >> Groups. As far as the structure end of things, here is a link to the file we send to our beta readers . You'll see we do surveys and ask questions on various things. Feel free to use this as a basis for your own beta.
I hope this helps and I hope your writing goes well.
When you begin writing, it's really quite hard to see your work with objective eyes. Feedback from others is absolutely critical to helping you improve your work to a publishable level. Generally, there are two types:
Writer Critiques - these are received by joining a group where writer's exchange their works between one another. You read and comment on their work, and they do likewise for you. This sounds like it's time-consuming (and it is) but it's VERY helpful. In fact, I've found you learn more by reading others works because as you write your critique telling them not to do (a) or (b) or (c) you'll realize you actually did that in your own writing. You can find these groups both "in person" (try meetup.com) or online (do a google search for Writer Critique Groups).
Beta Readers - are, well, readers (in other words it shouldn't be people who are also aspiring authors - as I covered that group above). It's best if you don't know these people, and it's also beneficial if you can give them some structure for providing feedback. There are plenty of groups here on Goodreads where people volunteer for beta reading - just do a search on Community >> Groups. As far as the structure end of things, here is a link to the file we send to our beta readers . You'll see we do surveys and ask questions on various things. Feel free to use this as a basis for your own beta.
I hope this helps and I hope your writing goes well.
More Answered Questions
Cows
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
You have said in the past you write the entirety of a book series before you even publish the first book and that this lets you go back and add things in easier if you think of something great later. The question is, what is the latest you have gotten in writing a series when you had a brainstorm and had to go back and add something that ended up changing a lot in the series itself?
Dylan
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Hello Michael, I'm looking into reading your books because of recommendations on goodreads. I noticed your influences include Stephen King who most would say falls in the category of horror/thriller. King is one of my favorite authors and I was wondering if you write a darker fantasy or if they are filled with suspense like King's books? Maybe like the suspense and adventure from The Dark Tower series? Thanks!
Lily
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I just finished reading the Riyria Revelations, and have read 3 of the chronicles reading both of these built a vivid and complex world that ties into itself beautifully, but when you read it the world doesn't feel intimidating; especially when you're new to it. How do you develop such a complex world without the reader feeling overwhelmed, but also not feeling like there missing out on the world?
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