I am honored when someone trusts me with their manuscript. It is an honor to be asked to read or critique it. I always try to treat their work with the respect I would want others to show my work. I try to respond promptly and coherently (I may be deluding myself on that last one) because they trusted me.
Remember that when you beta read or critique. They trusted you, don't destroy that trust, because someday you'll need someone to read for you.
Great word! We should read others work with respect and consider it a honor that they asked. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteJenn @Scribbles From Jenn
Thanks Jenn. Even if we don't like the piece we can respect the amount of work they put into it.
DeleteSo true, I am always honored when asked to critique.... And I agree totally that a CP should be kind but also truthful.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great word and a great way to look at critting, Sara!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sangu
DeleteTrust, honor, and beta reading--lovely post, Sara!
ReplyDeleteI am honored to beta for people and I always worry about doing the work justice, so I am really slow.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure people would rather have it done well than returned in a day or two.
DeleteAwesome advice and something many forget, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteLeft and Write
Unfortunately that's true.
DeleteStanding ov on this post, babe.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suze!
DeleteI agree with your point that you have to treat their work (and their feelings) the same way you'd like to have your work and feelings treated.
ReplyDeleteIn theory that's how we should treat each other all the time but that's not always how the world works.
DeleteThat is a lovely thought. I haven't done much beta reading but have a couple lined up for after the challenge. Definitely looking forward to it and will keep your words in mind!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2nd week!
AJ Lauer
#atozchallenge helper minion
Twitter: @ayjaylauer
Good luck on the Beta reading. It's a great way to grow as an author.
DeleteIt's an honour to know you, Sara!
ReplyDeleteVery nice advice. I always worry I'll say something to offend - it's like treading on someone's dreams. It is definitely an honour!
ReplyDeleteYour honor is very much in tact, Sara. ;-)
ReplyDeleteVery true. I only started sharing my work recently and I understand more fully the anxiety that can come along with sharing with somebody else. I hope that I can continue to behave in a way that honors the effort and work of others.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. And it is always a good reminder!
ReplyDeleteNas
I had beta who was mean. There was absolutely no constructive criticism what-so-ever. I was blown away and rather upset. Needless to say, I never utilized that person again. So, yes, honor others' work! Great point, Sara!
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ReplyDeleteHonor does hold an important role in this case. I have been through silent rejection after several follow ups.
ReplyDeletePOETICbug
Wonderful advice. I always feel honored to read unpublished manuscripts and even more honored that someone wants my input. I'm always honest, but if there are things I think need improving, I try to be gentle, because, like you said, that's what I'd want.
ReplyDeleteVery true! A nice way of putting it! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great honour when someone trusts you with something they've written ... which makes it really hard when what they've written isn't very good.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm not always coherent, but I'll always be respectful and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI always try to be fair and honest when critiquing. The same way I want them to be with me.
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