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
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more