Choose My Own Book?

Choose My Own Book?

by Lana
(Texas)

I'm in the process of writing a book and I've just finished my first draft. I would like your opinion on whether or not it would be appropriate to print out a copy and choose this as my book selection next month, when it's my turn?

My goal is not to show off but to get honest, informative feedback and who better to give it to me than a group of friends whom I trust and also know to be excellent readers?

Do you think this is setting us up for an awkward meeting, even if I assure them I want the truth? Will they give it to me or will they sugarcoat their opinions so as not to hurt my feelings?

Answer:

What a great question Lana! My firm opinion is to share, share, share! Book clubs are about reading and discussing and there is no better place for you to get some true insight into your own book than at a meeting.

I wouldn't tell anyone up front but instead, have a copy for each member printed up and ready (make a nice cover page and possibly bind in a folder), then type up a letter to put right after the title page that explains how much their opinions matter to you and that their advice would be invaluable. Ask for honesty and be sure that you can handle their criticism.

I'm positive, as you say you are all friends, that you'll get great feedback in a constructive manner!

Come back once the book is published and we'll review/interview with you!

Hope this helps,
Queenie D

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Choose My Own Book?

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Aug 20, 2008
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Maybe a good idea, maybe not
by: Anonymous

I'm also a writer and would caution you against "workshopping" your book at too early a phase, especially with readers who may or not may be familiar with the CRAFT of writing.

If you've just finished your first draft, there's a good chance your book needs a whole lot more honing and polishing. I don't mean that to be a slight against your writing, but I don't know ONE writer whose novel was ready for public consumption after only one draft.

At this stage, you may get more valuable feedback from a writers' group or workshop or a writing instructor. My advice would be to polish it until it's FINISHED and then present it to your book club friends.

And, if you do choose to share it earlier, I'd make it VERY CLEAR what questions you want answers to. "I liked it" or "I didn't like it" are both answers that are of limited assistance.

Hope that's helpful.

Choose My Own Book?

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Choose My Own Book?