One of the greatest pleasures of writing is solitude and peace when you’re doing it. Yet, at some point, you’ll need to share your writing with the world. That’s scary, but it’s also a good thing.
Sharing will give you some feedback from different people on your work. This feedback might be useful sometimes (others not so much, unfortunately) for you to improve and grow as a writer.
With sharing, comes…
When you share your writing, you’re putting yourself outside for the whole world to see. That brings bad and good stuff. That’s why sharing what you write is the biggest fear of most writers, and that’s normal. No one likes to be criticized, and you can end up hurt. So, how to deal with it?
First of all, share your writing only when you’re ready to do it. This way, you’ll be stronger to face whatever comes in your direction.
Then, there are so many things you must keep in mind. Let’s see, one person’s opinion is exactly that. It’s one person’s opinion. Writing is a form of art, and art is very subjective. The appreciation of a book depends on the readers’ personal preferences and experiences. Those will help them to identify themselves with the characters, the environment, the dilemmas.
Besides, in the end, it’s always your decision. If you believe in your manuscript, if the criticism doesn’t make sense for you and you’re sure it’s good, then go ahead! Remember that many famous successful novels had been rejected several times. Eventually, someone accepted to publish them.
Sharing options
Waiting for a big publisher to find you is definitely not the best course of action. Before you go for a big publisher, you should have already shared your writing to get feedback. Other people’s opinions and notes might help you to improve your work. Never forget.
You have many options to do this. Start by sharing your writing with your relatives and friends. Keep in mind that they are not exactly impartial, but it’s a good start.
Create a blog and form a writer’s group. In the first one, you’ll have the possibility to reach more people. With a writer’s group, you’ll probably get more “professional” opinions. Also, it is excellent feedback about the styles and tools you may use.
And, of course, you’re not stuck with publishers, remember? You can self-publish your work. Don’t be afraid of doing it. Magazines are also a good option, especially for short stories. Do some research, look at magazines, and find the ones that publish some work similar to your own. Look for their “guidelines” for submission and try it!
Confidence and Courage
Be brave! It is tough to deal with criticisms. They can be cruel. Yet, if you want to be a successful writer, you must get used to it. Listen, evaluate their worth, and move over. Use the good ones to improve, and ignore the others.
Be prepared and stay strong.
Cátia Isabel Silva 