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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

H is for Honor

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. 

30 comments:

  1. Great word! We should read others work with respect and consider it a honor that they asked. Thanks for the reminder.

    Jenn @Scribbles From Jenn

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    1. Thanks Jenn. Even if we don't like the piece we can respect the amount of work they put into it.

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  2. So true, I am always honored when asked to critique.... And I agree totally that a CP should be kind but also truthful.

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  3. That is a great word and a great way to look at critting, Sara!

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  4. Trust, honor, and beta reading--lovely post, Sara!

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  5. I am honored to beta for people and I always worry about doing the work justice, so I am really slow.

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    1. I'm sure people would rather have it done well than returned in a day or two.

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  6. Awesome advice and something many forget, unfortunately.

    Left and Write

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  7. Standing ov on this post, babe.

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  8. I 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.

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    1. In theory that's how we should treat each other all the time but that's not always how the world works.

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  9. That 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!

    Happy 2nd week!

    AJ Lauer
    #atozchallenge helper minion
    Twitter: @ayjaylauer

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    1. Good luck on the Beta reading. It's a great way to grow as an author.

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  10. Very nice advice. I always worry I'll say something to offend - it's like treading on someone's dreams. It is definitely an honour!

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  11. Your honor is very much in tact, Sara. ;-)

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  12. Very 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.

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  13. Great advice. And it is always a good reminder!

    Nas

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  14. 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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  17. Honor does hold an important role in this case. I have been through silent rejection after several follow ups.

    POETICbug

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  18. 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.

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  19. Very true! A nice way of putting it! :)

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  20. It 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.

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  21. Yeah, I'm not always coherent, but I'll always be respectful and encouraging.

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  22. I always try to be fair and honest when critiquing. The same way I want them to be with me.

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