Navigating Feedback: How to Constructively Critique a Self-Published Book
Self-publishing a book is a significant milestone, often fraught with both joy and anxiety. As a fellow self-published author, I am well-acquainted with the myriad perspectives and feedback that come with this journey. However, when a friend of mine recently reached out to discuss my new self-published book, the conversation took an unexpected turn. Here's how we navigated this critique constructively.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
My latest self-published book is a unique offering – featuring a 30-day free trial for a digital subscription, encouraging readers to explore its contents before making a purchase. Upon sharing this news via email, my friend, who has known me for years, quickly pointed out a flaw that struck me as overly stern: he believed the book was not free. Yet, my response underscores not just the technicalities but the importance of positive feedback.
Pick Up on the Microdetails
Disorganized paragraph breaks in the first chapter drew his immediate attention. While this detail might seem trivial, it does highlight a broader issue: the format might not align perfectly with the original draft when viewed on various platforms. On Amazon or Kindle, certain chapters may appear in a different format, which can be misleading. Recognizing this, I took the time to revise the paragraph breaks to ensure consistency and improve the reading experience.
Adopting Constructive Critique Practices
When providing feedback, it is crucial to approach the conversation with a positive and constructive mindset. Here are some tips that I and many fellow authors follow:
1. Always Begin with Praise
No matter the nature of your feedback, it is essential to start with a positive statement. Focusing on the strengths initially sets a collaborative tone and makes the recipient more receptive to further comments. For example, you could start with a statement like, "This book is a remarkable achievement..." before delving into areas that could be improved.
2. Be Specific and Objective
When giving specific feedback, ensure it is clear and objective. Highlight the exact elements that you believe need improvement and provide concrete examples. This helps the author understand the points you are making without feeling overwhelmed or defensive.
3. Offer Solutions and Suggestions
Acknowledge that you are offering advice to help, not judgements. Every critique should be accompanied by suggestions for enhancement. For instance, if paragraph breaks are a concern, suggest tools or software that can be used to align the content correctly.
4. Maintain a Positive Tone
No matter how critical the feedback, maintain a positive and encouraging tone. Phrases like "I really like..." or "For a first draft, you've done a great job" can make the recipient feel valued and inspire them to view your feedback as helpful rather than dismissive.
The Context of Critical Feedback
My experience with my friend reminded me of the importance of context in giving feedback. Sometimes, a comment might feel like an attack rather than a constructive critique. As a general rule, if a friend seeks your honest opinion, be frank but tactful. Approach the conversation by saying, "I really want to help you improve, and here’s what I think..." This framing ensures that the feedback comes across as a genuine attempt to assist, rather than a unilateral judgment.
Conclusion
Self-published books are a blend of hard work, personal investment, and artistic expression. The journey to publication is fraught with challenges, but the power of constructive feedback can be invaluable. By embracing a positive and collaborative approach, authors and their critics can navigate the intricacies of this creative process together, achieving a better end result.