I joke around often that I’m a magnet for writers. Seriously, if a stranger is writing a book, they’re bound to run into me at the grocery store and start chatting. There are a shocking amount of people with stories in their heads, but sadly most of these creators would also rather be dead than share their writing with anyone.
The Ultimate Unmasking
What could possibly be more intimidating than letting someone you don’t know—or worse, someone you DO know—read the imperfect, fanciful, and downright weird stuff that comes out of your head? The vast majority of writers are quite secretive about their work, but I’m a firm believer that to share your writing is to give your craft permission to blossom.
There are a billion reasons to share your writing, but it can feel like there’s a billion and one reasons not to show it to anyone. If fear is holding you back in this area, you’re not alone! Here are six thoughts that can help you overcome your trepidations and share your writing with confidence:
1. Feeling Terrified to Share Your Writing Is Normal
I can’t honestly tell you that it ever gets easy. Having the guts to share your writing is a big deal, and having the grace to consider real feedback is a skill people have to develop. But I can also say that the #1 way to develop this skill is to get out there and do it.
Personally I still get a little nervous showing my stuff to my own husband because I do want him to like it. But in general, the sharing part has become way more exciting than scary because I’ve done it so much.
As a young writer, I fell into the trap of telling people about my stories instead of actually writing them. And once I finally started writing, my little brother was the only person who had ever read anything I wrote until I was an adult. When I started a weekly writing group with some friends, I finally witnessed the excitement of having regular readers following along as I wrote. And I’ve never gone back.
Don’t get me wrong, most members of my writing group got nervous every week, especially if they wrote something serious. But we also recognized just how much we were growing. Tapping into other writers’ enthusiasm and feedback is powerful, and I guarantee you that if you have the courage to try it, you won’t regret it. Especially when you’re turning to talented people who also respect you.
2. The Sooner You Share Your Writing, the Greater the Benefits
Okay, I’m willing to share my writing, you say. No problem. But first it has to be ready.
Ooooooooohhh boy, if I had a dollar for every time a fellow writer told me that. Or for every time I said it myself frankly. Here’s the thing: running a quick spell check or reading all the way through your manuscript to hunt down pesky typos isn’t a bad idea. The problem is when that sprucing up phase takes months or years.
I’ve know people who’ve worked on one project for decades and never shared it with anyone until I read it. Hearing that certainly made me feel honored, but it also broke my heart. Because a lovely writer had been working so long without ANY cheerleading or ANY feedback.
I cannot stress how helpful it’s been to let people read my writing progressively as I work. Friends feel very special to be included in a writer’s process, and having readers journeying with you as you go will shape your novel in ways you never imagined:
- Learning which characters and relationships readers like best.
- Figuring out which plot points are confusing.
- Hearing reader predictions that can amp up your big plot twist.
- Finding out if your storytelling comes across the way you want.
- Answering questions YOU have as a writer.
- Feeding off reader enthusiasm to motivate your writing.
All of these benefits are way more useful while writing a first draft than when you’ve got a finished manuscript. But these benefits are also impossible to achieve while writing in a vacuum. Which brings us to my next point . . .
3. The Greatest Books Are NOT Created in Isolation
Hording your ideas and your writing to yourself is the easiest way to avoid discomfort, unhelpful feedback, and generally unwanted reactions. But it also limits how good your book can be.
Sure, writing is a pretty isolated task shared between you, your laptop, and perhaps a hot mug of tea. I’ve met some very talented extrovert writers, but in general, writing is a solitary task that requires hundreds of hours of you writing alone.
And yet! Truly incredible books require a team of creative people working together. The most successful commercial writers rely on the feedback of their alpha readers, beta readers, literary agents, editors, and other publishing professionals to guide their writing to great heights. Even with all the talent in the world, there’s no possible way for you alone to produce a flawless debut novel. And this is okay.
My point is that welcoming supportive people into your creative process is a big leap of faith but also a huge investment. Share your writing to improve your skills now instead of years down the line.
4. You Have More Control over the Feedback Than You Think
I absolutely understand the fear of scathing feedback—or worse, bored feedback. But you can absolutely guide your readers in the direction that helps you out the most. Here are some useful ideas to inspire great feedback:
- Pitch your book in one or two sentences to potential readers. Some readers will read just to support you, but you’ll get the most enthusiasm from readers who are interested in the type of book you’re writing.
- Ask for reader’s reactions of how they felt as they read. Shocked? Annoyed? Confused? Eager? Enchanted? Uncomfortable? And why? This is valuable information for a writer.
- Encourage constructive feedback. Ask readers what they loved and what they hated about your book. More importantly, have them explain why.
- Ask questions galore about characters, nuances, logic, accuracy, scenes, dialogue, character motivations—anything you need clarity and an outside perspective on.
- Share my guide on how to give feedback to writers with anyone who’s about to read your book. My nine rules will teach your friends how to give critique that will genuinely help you out while also building up your confidence.
- Avoid spoilers! This one is hard, but you’ll get way better feedback if you zip your lips about where the plot is heading. This is also a good motivator to write, write, write so your readers can get to the good parts.
5. Track Down Certain Readers for Certain Types of Critique
Different types of readers provide different types of feedback and secondary benefits. For me, my readers fall into three main categories:
- The Cheerleaders: I always have at least one dedicated reader to devour chapters as I write them and shower me with praise. This is super motivating to keep me writing. These readers tend to be voracious bookworms who are dedicated to seeing you succeed.
- The Constructive Critics: This group is the most helpful of all because they provide constructive feedback and much-needed honesty. I rely heavily on this group, even if they need to be reminded to provide encouragement now and then. Don’t be too proud to ask.
- The Experts: These are the specialists in their field. It’s crucial to find professionals who can fact check your book, minority readers who can let you know if ideas or characters are accurate, and experienced writers who can weigh in on your book’s appeal to your target demographic.
You’re going to need readers in all three categories to maximize the benefits as you share your writing. And as you diversify your readership, you’ll quickly discover . . .
6. Sharing Your Writing Is the Best Thing Ever
If you’ve never let someone read your work, believe me when I say that inviting others into your inner landscape is downright exhilarating. Yes, sharing your stories is a major act of vulnerability, but stories are also dying to be shared and discussed. It’s just the nature of stories.
And frankly, having someone ask for the next chapter, make a prediction, or ask for your favorite character’s backstory is an intoxicating experience. Once you’ve tasted it, don’t be surprised if you come back again and again to discuss your writing with friends for hours. It’s truly addicting.
So Why Not Share Your Writing Soon?
Ask a friend, family member, fellow book lover, your spouse, or another writer if they’re willing to become your first reader. Maybe consider starting a brand new book so they can read as you go along. I promise the experience will electrify your work and invigorate your motivation to write. ❧
