I don’t know about you, but I get asked hard questions all the time. When our son was small, I was weeding a portion of our garden. He was playing, and I was cursing the weeds and snails. Zachary stopped playing and came over to me. He watched me for a short time and asked, “Why don’t snails eat weeds?” That was a tricky question, and unfortunately, I had no answer.
I’ve been in publishing for nearly forty years, and throughout that time, I’ve been asked many difficult questions by authors, retailers, and readers. For me, the most challenging question that comes my way is, “Would you read my manuscript and tell me what you think?” This question makes my skin crawl.
Now, in all fairness, I read manuscripts for a living. Yes, I get paid to read and work on people’s manuscripts, so I get asked this question many times a month. What makes it difficult is understanding what the person asking needs or wants. Do they want a critical review or confirmation that their book is the most remarkable book ever written and they are another Hemmingway? Are they ready to hear from a professional how to improve their book, or do they want a pat on the back? Are they prepared to hear about how they will sell their book or how it differs from the other five million books on Amazon?
Recently someone asked me to read their book. The author hoped to produce a book about their past circumstances and help people with similar problems. However, the book was a diary of cathartic “I” statements and offered no hope, but only hurtful and unending timelines of events shrouded with anger. It wasn’t publishable. I gave the author a critique, and they were genuinely offended. Now, I’m not saying my manuscript suggestions and comments are directly from Mt. Sinai. I’m saying that if you want your manuscript evaluated by any qualified publisher or editor, don’t wear your feelings on your sleeve. Aunt Martha can give you kudos and hugs about your work if you need them.
So what should you do when you ask me, or someone qualified to read your manuscript? Here’s my thinking:
Some final thoughts. First, keep writing. Don’t be afraid of professional guidance and counsel. Let us help you create that remarkable book, even if it takes many iterations and changes. Let us help you create something unique that will delight your readers.
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