Okay, who do you trust as a writer of Christian fiction? You’re in the process or have completed a novel, maybe more than one. You’ve passed along what you’ve written to spouse, friend, stranger and are beginning to get feedback on what you’ve got so far. I’m not specifically addressing critique groups or professionals yet. I’m talking about those people who might in fact make up your proposed audience.
Let’s start with the spouse. If your spouse is a reader, they’re a legitimate test culprit. Some husbands or wives are able to give thoughtful or even provocative responses to your work, providing they like the chosen genre. If they don’t prefer the topic of the novel and are hesitant to read it, they’re probably not your best audience or test reader.
Then there are friends. Females usually have an array of friends who are anxious to read a novel written by one of their own. Depending on personalities and tastes, most females are supportive, and if you have a close relationship with the friend, they will tell you kindly if they had a problem with any part of the book.
I have two main friends who have read almost all of my novels. No one but me has read number 6 which I just finished. One of these two read my seventh novel Breath of Life and was so angry at the characters in the ending I chose, while the other one thought the ending was just a part of life. I knew exactly how my first reader felt because I didn’t really want that ending either, but it was, in fact, just the way life goes sometimes, and I knew it was the ending that was supposed to be there to demonstrate some faith issues.
My second novel The Famous One is the only one of my seven books that has been read by three men and several women. The men enjoyed it as much as the women, being emotionally impacted by the story. That was a major thrill.
Strangers. By that I mean anyone you don’t know well enough to decide if they would like your book. You know they’re a reader, and they’re interested in your description of the novel, so you decide to share it with them—after giving them the usual numerous disclaimers, of course. Chances are if they’re male, they’ll give you an honest response. Depending on their reading choices and even their education, their reaction(s) might offer some pointers you can use. Or not.
And that’s the thing, isn’t it? Again? You might or might not agree with these multiple assessments. Some you will undoubtedly value more than others. Some will be unexpectedly helpful. Others will simply be opinions—either for or against—and you will judge those based on what you know about the reader.
Okay, what about the professionals? Not all critique partners/groups are good enough to be considered any more valuable than your other selections of readers unless they have a few pros in their midst. You will have to evaluate their status if you join a group. There are innumerable freelance professional editors ranging in price from expensive to ultra expensive, possibly all worth their weight in publishing gold—but probably not really. I mean, I would imagine it’s similar to other services offered by professionals. Some are worth every hard-earned dime you pay them and others simply are not. Again, you’re going to have to establish the criteria for judging their abilities and credentials if you invest in one.
And you must consider this: professional editors whose purpose is to aim your work toward publishing will be geared toward the particular trends and desires of the publisher types you’re seeking. So, you must decide if you’re going to write to please them.
Or are you going to write to please a different group? What if your test readers gave you rave reviews? Not just your wife or husband, but the guy you work with who you really barely know, the six friends of different ages and genders who gave you multiple reasons why they enjoyed the writing, plot, story, characters, ending, etc. Your novel spoke to them. They were impressed.
So, if the editor and the test readers agree for the most part, you’ve got something to look forward to in the form of a contract when all the nips and tucks are made to the manuscript. And if you’re gung ho for the changes, minimal or maximum, to get that project published, this has a “happy” ending.
So, on the other hand, if the editor tells you the major faults with the project which will keep it from being accepted by “most” readers and uses the term “rewrite” in his commentary which insinuates major changes before it sees publication, while the diverse test readers were rejoicing in the novel’s brilliance, who do you trust?
Believe it or not, a part of your decision will depend on what you’ve read. Are you satisfied with those novels published in your genre? Do you think your writing is at a level to compete with books in print? Are the comments you’ve received from readers giving you an idea as to what styles of writing they like and purchase? Is yours similar in appeal or punch or twists and turns? What do you think?
Most of all, and I do mean first and foremost, as a Christian writer, what is your objective? Who do you truly trust and listen to the most? Is it the Lord? Is the Spirit of God leading your pursuits? Has He given you the go ahead to write, to change and alter, to seek one avenue or the other? What is His plan for you? Do you know?
I think once you answer those questions, everything comes together. Maybe not immediately, or even perfectly, according to your desired preferences, but once the Lord heads up the writing/publishing efforts and you decide to follow, wait, or plunge ahead according to His directions, real success awaits you. We’re instructed not to rely upon our own understanding. Indeed.
So, who do YOU trust?
Father, teach me to trust and obey more, to quote an old hymn. Over and over, teach me your ways, so much higher than my own. Help me continually. I need you, am desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.