Dear Maggie,

Do your friends and family read your work? A friend just asked me to read her manuscript and I’m worried I’ll insult her if I give honest feedback.

Worried in Willamette

Dear Worried,

This is a tricky predicament indeed, but I think I can help. First off, in my world, my husband reads everything, from the science fiction I write as Tabitha, to the steamiest scenes in my romantic suspense series. He’s definitely my biggest fan, but he also knows I value his opinion and constructive criticism. My kids, all older teens or young adults, have also read my speculative fiction, but they run far away from the romance, which is perfectly fine by me! Same with my dad. Mom on the other hand, loves the romance but skips over the 'naughty’ scenes.

As for my friends, they are very supportive and I know many have read my stuff, but I don’t pressure anyone, nor am I insulted if they don’t. Not every story appeals to every person. After my work is published, it’s out there for anyone who wants to enjoy it. Or not.

However, before that time, I have a solid group of beta readers including a few friends who’ve actually volunteered to read my manuscripts. They are avid readers, capable of giving legit feedback, or writing professionals themselves. When I send a manuscript out to these folks, I expect criticism. It’s flattering but not helpful if I only receive positive feedback. Before my book is published, I still have a chance to fix things!

So, let’s assume your friend really does want honest feedback. You can absolutely give it without being cruel. I send along a little guide to my newer beta readers to help them understand what I’m looking for. Here are some things to consider as you read your friend’s manuscript:

Were there places where the story dragged and you found yourself skipping pages?
Were there places where you were confused?
How did you relate to the characters? Were they believable, interesting?
Were there any major discrepancies or inconsistencies in timeline, character descriptions, or other major details?
What was your overall reading experience?
Were you satisfied by the ending?

You certainly don’t have to answer all these questions, but noting any issues in these areas will be helpful to the author.

Also, don’t forget to tell the author what you liked about the story and the writing, especially if this is the author’s first manuscript. It takes courage to put our work into the world, so a little praise at this stage can go a long way. The best feedback highlights what’s really working for you, the reader, and points out what isn’t. A balanced critique is useful and encouraging, while still being honest.

If, on the other hand, the manuscript isn’t something you feel you can connect with at all (for example, you hate horror and this story is a slasher thriller), you can gracefully bow out by honestly admitting it isn’t your genre preference, or by saying you simply don’t feel qualified to offer a critique. Maybe soften the response by offering to purchase a copy of the book when it’s published. You don’t actually have to read it then either!

Good luck and thanks for the great question!

Do you have a question for me? Send it to maggie@msmaggieclare.com, and I’ll answer it here on the blog.

In other news…

The TSI series 3 BOOK BUNDLE is still discounted to $3.99, because, honestly, I forgot to reset the price! If you haven’t met the hot hunks from Tactical Solutions International, and the brave ladies who love them, take advantage of this limited time offer! All books are FREE if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.

All my kids will be home together for the first time since Christmas 2019! I am one excited mama! We pick up our oldest, who’s on leave before his deployment, from the airport tonight. I’ll post pictures soon.

I have a big birthday coming up next month, and guess what I’m getting? She’s still too little to travel, but she’s ours!