However, those who have had readers find it frustrating when you've sat on the edge of your seat waiting for the words to come out of their mouths and all you get is, "yeah, it was good."
That's it? Good!?
What else did you like about it?
"Ah, I thought the main character was nice."
Nice!?
That's when you come across the table and strangle her. Well, perhaps that was harsh and the dead girl on your floor is now unable to read your next draft. And, I'm going to say this, it's actually your fault. Yup, I said it. YOUR FAULT. All you asked them to do was to read it and tell you what they thought.
YOU NEED TO BE SPECIFIC! I'll say it again, YOU NEED TO BE SPECIFIC!
What can you ask your readers?
Here's a list... and don't feel afraid to give them paper and a pen and tell them to take notes. Sure, you're not paying them but they want your friendship, don't they? Especially when you promise not to ditch them when you become famous. That should be enough for them... and maybe a new IPOD.
- What did you like best about my novel?
- What did you hate most about my novel?
- How is my voice? Interesting? Unique?
- What character did you like the most?
- What character did you hate?
- Do you think I should cut any characters?
- Did you relate to the main character?
- Did the first sentence of the story grab you?
- Did the first scene want you to keep reading?
- Was the dialog realistic?
- Is the plot plausible?
- Is the ending surprising? Interesting?
- Did you like the subplot? What ones didn't you like? What subplot would you cut out?
- Do you like the antagonist? Is he real to you? Are the motives behind his/her actions plausible?
Clarissa - Thanks for these "review tips." It is so helpful to people who write when people who comment/make suggestions/etc.. are really detailed and specific about what works and what doesn't. I think that's one of the best things about my beta readers. Nothing gets by them and they are specific.
ReplyDeleteLike the list!
ReplyDeleteMy test readers are usually specific. Sometimes painfully so!
You know, with some of your friends and family, no matter how many specific questions you ask, you're never gonna get the answers you need... they just draw a blank. Drives me crazy too.
ReplyDeleteMargot, you have some great beta readers and I do too. Actually Doralynn is one of my beta readers and I'm hers (well, I like to think I'm one.)
ReplyDeleteAlex, sometimes they are. And when they are, it's great! Maybe it's just my family. Hmmm, maybe they just don't want to hurt my feelings...maybe they hate it! OMG!
Doralynn, that's so true. Probably because they don't know how to express the writing world like we do. I doubt my family even understands what point of view means.
CD
Great list! I provide a similar list for family/friends who read my work, just because it helps them look at it with a better critical eye. A list shows I'm absolutely serious about what they think, so they're more likely to tell the truth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. Yes, ain't that the truth. They probably think you're really serious when you come at them with a detailed list. "Oh, you're a writer... wow, I didn't think it was a real job. So it's not just a hobby?"
ReplyDeleteThanks Clarissa, I have copied and pasted your list. I will be sure to pull it out if ever I have anything for anyone to read! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I always get mad about 'yeah, it was god.' Fair enough that it's my own fault! :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL - I meant 'good,' not 'god.'
ReplyDeleteAnn, no problem. Glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteJilian, yeah, I was wondering why you were blaming God. Unless they were complementing you and saying your work is as good as God...
CD
Your list is now in my permanent reference file, waiting for this final rewrite of my last chapters before sending it off to my readers...with your list attached!
ReplyDeleteThank you -
Hey CD... this is off topic. But I reordered my chapters in my ms after your last review. Moving the section in the cornfield to just after the interrogation. Didn't even think of doing that until you brought it up. Now see, this is the kind of thing family will never even see. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI remembered the scene being later in the book. Well, I like it where it is now. It's such a scary chapter, your readers will love it.
ReplyDeleteCD
Great list! Hopefully it'll help narrow a readers focus so they can provide useful and invaluable feedback.
ReplyDeleteLuckily most people who read my work give some great feedback. I enjoy all of it the good and the bad because then I have something to work on for next time and I know what I'm good at so that I can exploit my strengths.
ReplyDeleteAh ha! You've had the wonderful tip list for readers. I was wondering where it went. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it. That's exactly what a writer needs to know. Great post.
I like your list and will use it.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
What a fantastic post, Clarissa.
ReplyDeleteI am that poor dead girl on the floor. I will use more flowery adjectives and adverbs, but all I will actually do is tell you the story was good and the characters were nice. If, however, I am given a list of exactly what is wanted of me, before I start reading, I will be able to give it and also feel more useful than I am actually feeling saying the story is good and the character is nice, or vice versa.
This is a great list, Clarissa. My test readers are specific, but it never hurts to keep this list on hand. I'll probably refer to it while reading for others, too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI need more than "It's good," that's for sure. They don't get an ipod though. If I actually had an ipod, I would keep it.
ReplyDeletethat's a good list, and as Alex said above you need to give it to readers who are very eloquent and specific and intelligent, otherwise their answers won't be of any use to you.
ReplyDeleteGood advice! Specific questions are better than generalities. And choose readers who are not related to you or even good friends, unless they too are writers or have experience in critiquing.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Yes yes YES! I hear you! I stopped going to a writers' group for this very reason. TOO GENERAL! Now I always give people specific questions.
ReplyDeleteNicole, I hope so. At least give them ideas as to what you're looking for.
ReplyDeleteHannah I'm so happy you have great readers. Keep them, cherish them.
Kathi and Teresa, glad you liked them.
Rayna, we want to be encouraging but we also want better writers so just giving compliments never really help the writer.
Alison, I hope you'll be able to use it.
L. Diane, I don't have an IPOD either but I sure love my MP3 player, drowns out the background noise...well, that is except my music.
DEZMOND, ain't that the truth. I try to find those. I don't use family members ( not that they're dumb it's just that they often don't say harsh enough things.)
Helen, I agree with you 100%.
Talli, it's sad to have to leave a group but when they don't help, they don't help.
CD
I need to memorize those questions and so I can get more specific feedback from readers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat list of questions. I would add to it, "Was there anything that confused you?" This can point out all sorts of items, both big and small, which seem completely clear to you as the author but are not properly communicated.
ReplyDeleteIt also helps to be careful who you pick to read your manuscript. If you ask your friend what she thinks about the last book she read and her response falls into this frustratingly vague category, she is probably not going to be more analytical about your MS. Give it to the friend who has lots of opinions about the books she reads and movies she watches.
Hey, girl! I thought I was following you already... huh?
ReplyDeleteBig congrats on the win from WiDo! And this list is AMAZING! I have needed this for my local beta readers who are so so so great but don't get past "I like it!"
ahh~ finally up to speed! Need some ice?
Hi! I popped over from Karen's BBQ celebration to say hello. Awesome post - thanks for the great tips. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think it takes time to find the right readers, people whose judgement you trust and who understand what you want from them. Endless glowing praise from someone who just wants you to be happy (yes, mum, I'm talking about you) is a fantastic ego boost, but not very helpful. On the other hand, you don't want to tactfully fend off a host of suggestions from a reader who deep down wishes they were writing the book themselves. After a while you will find your own circle of trusted readers, and they will be invaluable to you. That said, the first person to read the MS for my first book was a publisher who signed me up for 3 books - and that first book sold out 3 times in a year and was shortlisted for a major literary award.
ReplyDeleteMary, you just need to copy and paste them. I don't mind if you copy them.
ReplyDeleteLisa, that's a great question! And it definitely should be added.
LTM, I'm glad you're following me and I could always use ice.
Shannon, thanks, I'll be over soon.
Leigh, you seriously are one of the luckiest people I know. I'm jealous. I don't think it will be as easy for me but I'm so happy for you and your success. Can't wait to read the second book.
CD
Hi Clarissa,
ReplyDeleteYour blog looks very useful and cut-to-the chase for writers. That's exactly what I need.
Honest criticism is pure gold, and so, so, hard to get. It's not like that kind of feedback is easy to take, but sometimes I think it's even harder to give, and so when someone does you've got to grasp onto them.
Your specific questions are extremely helpful - even for just asking myself. Thanks so much for putting the list together!
Great idea and great list. I find you always need to be specific when asking people questions, if you ask a vague question you will get a vague answer.
ReplyDeleteNicki, your words are so kind. Thank you. I don't always find it easy to give critiques but I know they're necessary.
ReplyDeleteJanet, thank you. And you're right about the questions.
CD
That's a fantastic list. Thanks. I'll have to bookmark this and remember to be more specific when I offer this up for the next reader.
ReplyDelete