Critical mess
Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 5:34PM 
Word count: 394 Reading time: 1-2 mins.
No passion in the world is equal to the passion to alter someone else's draft said HG Wells. I wish I’d known that quote when I sent my first short story to a competition. It was rated Highly Commended and one of the judges asked me if I’d like some help polishing it. Without so much as a by-your-leave, she rewrote it and read her version to the audience on the awards night. Her rewrite wasn’t wrong; it was just different. It wasn’t my voice.
Do-not-rewrite-someone-else’s-work was my first lesson in editing. Here are a few more I’ve picked up since:
-
It takes courage to share your work; make sure the person who sees it is worthy of your trust.
-
A good writing partner pinpoints the areas that might benefit with revision. She never replaces your words with hers but suggests solutions to problem areas.
-
A constructive editor encourages your strengths. Note: I’ve paid for professional reviews where the readers seemed totally unfamiliar with classical thinking like: correction does much, but encouragement does more (Goethe). If you have to ask questions - like what parts worked better than others - it’s time to find someone else to help you.
-
The more you study and learn about writing, the better your writing gets and the more you have to offer as a writing partner and editor.
-
Some people want intensive feedback; others only want their typos caught. Remember Somerset Maugham’s words: [some] people ask for criticism but they only want praise. If you’re committed to doing a meaningful review, the latter will waste your time.
-
You don’t have to take onboard everyone’s suggestions but it doesn’t hurt to listen. You’re the creator; you decide whose opinions are most relevant.
-
Still, even when you think you’ve absolutely nailed something, be receptive to the fact that it could be better.
Once books are published and hit the public domain, imperfect strangers emerge from the woodwork to criticize them. Until then, we can select readers who help us strengthen our voices, not drown them.
What are your expectations from an editor or writing partner? Is there something else you hope for that I haven’t listed? Do you use other writers, professional editors, or good friends - or a combination of all three - to help you improve?
***
Artwork by: Tom Morris via Wiki Commons
Reader Comments (3)
Wow, the gall of that judge! No one can imitate another writer's voice. Not only is it impossible, but it's wrong. Sure, a back and forth exchange of idea is wonderful, but ultimately the writer is driving the bus. And who was he/she to they could do your voice better?
Yes, it takes courage to share one's work. I am very grateful to have a person I can trust. I've been in a couple of writing groups and I've seen terrible harm done to promising authors. I can think of no other experience that comes as close to baring one's soul as sharing one's writing. It can be embarrassing, nerve-racking, and sometimes humiliating. A little encouragement goes a very long way with a writer, especially a new one, like myself.
Allison
PS....did I just admit to being a writer!? The gall!!!!
...and being a writer also means being a self-editor...
What I meant was.... And who was he/she to THINK they could IMPROVE your voice?
Hey Allison – thanks for dropping by.
Given the perspective of time, I realize the judge in question sincerely thought she was helping me. I learned something from the exercise too. Some of it was even related to the craft, not the politics, of writing. ;-)
Of course you’re a writer: you persevere in spite of the challenges that life keeps throwing in your path. And you’re weaving a great story that gets better and better. Keep riding that wave!
Maggie