The Benefits of Getting Feedback *Before* You Start Writing

The biggest downside to my work as an editor comes in those moments when I have to  tell a writer that the manuscript or draft they think is done actually needs more work

One way to avoid an "it needs more work” conversation and spare yourself a blow to the ego is to discuss your idea with someone before you even start writing. 

In modern terms, you could call it beta testing your idea. 

Who to Ask 

To save time, reach out to someone who has professional writing and/or editing experience. You can do this either through a connection to someone who works in publishing, or by seeking out a freelance editor with at least a few years of experience. A mixture of education and practice builds crucial developmental and analytical muscles, and editors and experienced writers have them.

If you’d rather not chat with a pro about your idea, then, at minimum, I recommend seeking out friends who read a lot. 

If you have one friend who isn’t afraid to be honest with you, ask for their thoughts. Unvarnished feedback is underrated. 

How Early Feedback Can Help

Talking to trusted individuals can help you write more efficiently because they can let you know if your idea resonates. 

They can also let you know if your theme or topic is too big — for readers and for writers. (I’ll talk about what I call the too-much-territory trap in a future post.)

They can also tell you if your idea is too narrow and could benefit from additional support to keep it from stalling. (Or, quietly slipping into mundane descriptions where nothing happens.)

Your idea tester(s) can also let you know if a topic or event has been covered to the point where your potential audience now rolls their eyes at yet another discussion, and they’re ready to move on. 

Finally, they can let you know if a specific genre is running out of runway. People sent me vampire novel manuscripts, for example, long after the vampire trend faded. You’re welcome to write whatever you like, of course, and please do. But if your goal is to try to cash in on a trend, you really have to stay aware of what’s happening both in pop culture and in publishing, and work quickly.

Spark and Go

There’s one more benefit to getting feedback on your idea before you start writing. Your helpers may be able to offer you feedback that triggers helpful “what ifs” in your mind that spark another (or even better!) story.

Happy writing!