Dealing with Criticism: Some Suggestions (article) by John DeDakis on AuthorsDen

We are all works in progress

These are comments I made recently to a woman after I edited her manuscript. But I believe they could apply to life, as well:

A lot of my criticisms are my subjective reactions to what you've written. If I make a suggestion, it's only that: a suggestion. You are totally free to accept it, reject it, or come up with something entirely different.

-go through the comments and let them ruminate

-make decisions on how you plan to rework, revise, and rewrite.

-start making your changes

-TAKE YOUR TIME. Part of you will be impatient to give birth to your masterpiece, but as all good moms know, letting nature take its course is the wiser way. If you've been with the project for a long time (9 months or even 9+ years), it's only natural to want get it over with, but don't rush the creative process.

-Once you're done rewriting, find people who - because they love you - are willing to read the manuscript at no charge and give you their honest feedback. It probably won't be as nitpicky as a professional editor's, but - if it's HONEST - it'll help you know where the story is good and where it still needs reworking.

Writing a manuscript is like living life: We are all works in progress.

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Reviewed by Magic Sala

Reviewed on June 12, 2010

Yes I so agree with this John and I am beginning to work my manuscript/ For many months people are asking me when my book will be done and I still continue to write. If I only would stop to concentrate on the manuscript and get it done to send it off to someone for reviews. I am a proofreader also and I have edited it all but like you say here in the hands of a professional editor he or she may see something I did not. I take critique like I do anything, positive or negative it is all good, it teaches us much t least it has for me. I will also say without bragging rights I get nominations and good crits from peers and other authors so I must be doing something right. In the world of books, especially poetry books there is so much out there but I am determined to do this as I find writing has been both therapeutic for me and I love to express my words and feelings in every piece I write. I so like all you have entered here for others to review as you are an exceptional editor and I want to thank you for all your wonderful information.

Good day to you and the family

Mona

Reviewed by D Johnson

Reviewed on May 10, 2010

Excellent advice!

Cheers,
Dan

Reviewed by Robert Comer

Reviewed on May 9, 2010

Thank you John, I wish every reviewer were as nice as you are. My wife Donna has received a review on Amazon stating that they wanted their money back. I told her not everyone is going to give a good review. We just have to take the good with the bad.
Good article, John!
Thanks,
Bob Comer