What I’ve always appreciated about my editors is that they never try to write the book for me. They never say, “I would have done it this way or that way.” Rather, they tell you what they don’t get. What’s confusing or underdeveloped. I find it reassuring to have a professional in my corner who guides instead of decides.
Beta readers may not be professional book jockeys, but they’re real readers. Eventually, your work is going out into the world and will be read by other real readers, so the feedback you get from betas is absolutely valid. Since they’re involved earlier in the manuscript’s life, they might be more likely to provide gut feelings, point out plot holes that will be mostly filled before the editor gets it, and be overall more critical (or supportive) of the story, depending on whether your beta readers include other writers, friends or…your mother. In the past, my beta readers have discovered major and minor errors in my work, and they’ve stayed my hand when I was laying it on a bit thick, not quite thick enough, or when I was simply wrong about something.
I’ve worked with three agents during my career. The first—about thirty-five years ago—gave no feedback and discouraged all contact. I felt like an unwelcome guest at her party. After two unsold books, we parted ways. I shrugged it off, sure I’d find another agent in no time at all.
Actually, it took me seventeen years to find another agent, but my experience with him was wonderful. He offered advice similar to what my editors did. He was kind, honest, and supportive. We parted ways on the best of terms after seven books sold. I’ll always be grateful to him for selling my Ellie Stone novels.
My current agent expresses her opinions honestly on my work. Some things she loves, some things she doesn’t. The feedback has never been on the micro level of my writing style, which seems to suit her fine. But she doesn’t always like the mood or characters in my books, and, while I’d love to hear effusive praise for my every word, I appreciate her honesty.
Once I’ve taken stock of all the feedback I’ve received, it’s my turn. I have to decide what to accept and what to reject. Why do I reject some suggestions? Usually it’s because I know what I’m trying to accomplish with my books, which ideas I developed to shape my story and characters. I’m confident I’ve done those things right. Or, at least, the way I wanted them to be.
And when do I accept the feedback and make the changes? When I’m made to realize that I’ve failed to make those ideas clear to readers, starting with my beta readers, agent, and editor. I’m not so arrogant to think I’m always right, so, in some cases, I’ll take another stab at the project and incorporate the feedback they’ve offered.
The thing is, writers need editors and readers, beta and professional ones like agents, too. We don’t simply type out our books and stories and post them for the world to see. At least we shouldn’t do that. Multiple sets of eyes—eyes with experience and perspective—will always improve a book. And that’s why I recruit beta readers, have an agent, and work with editors.
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THE PRANK…enigmatic and unnerving. The pace never flags for a second. This is some masterly plotting. I loved it.”
—Liz Nugent, author of Strange Sally Diamond
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