Beta-Testing Beta Readers
I gave the first two chapters of my manuscript to my husband for the first time the other day. I've been working on this thing for five years, and I haven't let him look at it this entire time. I know. I might be holding it a little close.
I think he felt a lot of pressure to like it and was worried that if he gave me negative feedback that he would burst my bubble. But as anxious as I was - and though I obviously did want him to like it - I ultimately want to write something good. And if this thing I've written isn't good, I want to know that.My husband is a pro at constructive criticism. This comes from years of painting instruction, so he knows the fragility of an artist's ego and the need to balance real critique with the encouragement to get back on one's horse and give it another go.
When he finished reading the two chapters, he had a bunch of notes. This didn't come as a surprise to me. Figuring out how to begin the story has been one of my biggest challenges, so I knew the first couple of chapters probably needed some work.
Still, I was nervous to hear what he had to say. Have I actually written something good, or have I unknowingly done something completely derivative? Or maybe it's original, but its still terrible. Will he hate it but not want to hurt my feelings? Or will he be honest with me? Will I take the criticism well, or will I scare him off from ever again reading something I give him?
My husband doesn't read a lot fantasy, and he is definitely not a YA enthusiast, but he is good at being objective and he has a good eye for quality. All of his notes were super helpful. He confirmed a few things I already suspected, pointed out a few things I had missed, and gave some good suggestions. And I was totally okay at the end of our conversation.
I've got a brand new writing partner to whom I've also given those two chapters. After my husband's reading, my initial impulse was to make those changes before letting her read it. But, I resisted the urge and decided to let it go. Maybe she'll see the same things he did. Maybe she'll see more. Maybe she'll have different ideas. Maybe she'll be super frank and tell me it sucks and that I need to return to square one. I really have no idea. But whatever she thinks, it's going to be fine.
I'm trying to do more things that get me outside of my comfort zone, and one of those things is putting something out there that I know is less than perfect for people to critique. But each time I do, I discover once again that it's not so scary after all.Just because I didn't get it right on the first go doesn't mean I should throw in the towel. But it does mean that I have my work cut out for me. So, I'm rolling up my sleeves and making another pot of coffee. I'm coming for you, finished second draft.