Get Honest Feedback On Your Writing
Use Writing Groups, Manuscript Consultations and Writing Classes
Mar 31, 2009
Most beginning writers struggle with the problem of continued rejection from journals and publishers. Yet many rejection letters don't contain any useful feedback.
How can a new writer receive honest criticism on their writing?
Start or Join a Writer's Group
A writer's group is a group of writing peers who agree to meet regularly and provide feedback on each other's work. The set up for each group is different, but the primary goal is the same: to support each other in achieving literary goals.
There are many benefits to joining a writer's group. You will receive specific feedback on your work, and you will also strengthen your own reading and editing skills.
There are both pros and cons to joining a writing group. If you're not sure it's for you, why not give it a try and find out?
Enroll In A Writing Course
Some – but not all -- writing courses provide a workshop environment. Be sure to check with the instructor before enrolling whether there will be time during the class for personal feedback.
Advanced writing courses at the university or college level usually revolve around workshopping, with each writer receiving feedback from their classmates and their teacher. These workshops can be intense and may be intimidating for newer writers.
Other places to look for writing courses include community colleges, community centres and continuing education programs. Writing retreats such as the Banff Centre and Sage Hill also offer some interesting options.
Online writer's workshops are a great place to start. There are some, such as Critters for science fiction and fantasy writers, which are peer-review based. Basically you trade reviews with other writers on the site.
Some of online writers workshops are free and some are paid, so be sure to read the fine print.
Pay for a Manuscript Consultation
Finally, if you have a really troubling manuscript or you don't want to critique other writers, you can pay for a professional manuscript consultation. These are offered in many places, from literary journals like Event to university writing departments.
A web search will reveal an abundance of people offering manuscript consultation services. Check references carefully and ask to see a sample of the editor's previous work.
For romance writers, eHarlequin offers a novel manuscript consultation service. They charge $1US/CDN a page for a full manuscript.
Welcome Constructive Criticism
Many new writers first show their writing to others in hopes of hearing praise. Praise is good, but constructive criticism is even better. Constructive criticism allows you to improve your writing and get closer to achieving your writing goals.
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