you've got reader feedback, now what? a 5 step solution for writers
“One reader loved it. One reader thought it was good. One reader didn’t get it at all.”
One of my clients has been receiving feedback from beta readers on her novel. I suspect she’s feeling a little like Goldilocks trying to find the perfect porridge. But it’s not about the perfect porridge.
Feedback is subjective. Every reader is going to find different things they like and don’t like about your writing. That’s what they’re supposed to do.
You’re never going to write the perfect book that makes every reader happy.
The feedback you receive is likely going to be a mix of positive and not-so-positive feedback. All of it is helpful.
Regardless of what you received, the goal is to become a better writer and write a stronger story. Focus on that goal.
Step 1: Read the comments
Go through and read all the feedback. You know you want to, so don’t stop yourself.
If you’re like most writers, you’re immediately going to have an emotional response. Try not to any meaning to the feedback or your response. Just have it.
You may need to call a trusted friend and vent. Maybe sit in a corner and cry. Even run around the room in little circles whooping. Whatever you do, get that initial energy out of your system. At this stage, don’t: (1) Call your beta reader, (2) Vent on social media.
Now that you’ve read through all the feedback? Walk away. Preferably for 24 hours.
Why 24 hours? Because it’s easy to track and it gives you time to burn off whatever emotions you may be feeling. It’s like waiting after lunch to go swimming—you don’t want to give yourself cramps.
When you come back, read the comments again. This time, read them carefully. Dig deeper into what the feedback is really saying. Don’t attach any judgment or emotion.
Step 2: Make a list
Make a list of all the feedback. ALL of it. This may be an extensive list. Especially if you received feedback from multiple people. Your list may be so totally overwhelming you’re ready to start the book from scratch, or buy a one-way ticket to Portugal and run away to live on the beach. Resist the urge.
Lump multiple similar bits of feedback together. For example, “I didn’t understand why the characters were fighting in chapter 4.” If multiple readers identify that as a problem, you only need to put it on your list once.
Once you’ve created your list, now take another break. You want to give yourself space so you don’t do something rash like delete an entire character, remove a subplot, change the point of view, or run away to Portugal.
Even if you don’t feel you need the list or the time to step away, you want to give yourself a chance to process. Because when you come back, you’re going to…
Step 3: Prioritize the list
Take your list and sort out the issues. This step can look like anything that helps you get organized. A new outline, a bulleted list, a spreadsheet, a collection of index cards, or whatever works best for you.
Example: Divide the issues into separate lists.
Big changes | Minor changes | Discard
Big changes are for fundamental issues like deleting a plot, inserting a new subplot, removing a character, changing the relationship between characters, and so on. These are issues that are going to create changes in more than one place.
Minor changes are for smaller issues like getting a date wrong, updating a description, changing a bit of dialogue, clarifying a section, and so on. These issues are usually confined to a single section.
The discard list is for suggestions that, for whatever reason, you don’t want to make.
You shouldn’t feel you have to make all the changes someone suggests. There will probably be something that you think doesn’t work, is inappropriate, perhaps even ridiculous.
You’re the creator and you get to do whatever you want.
Step 4: Follow-up with readers (Optional)
If you have questions for your beta readers, this is when you’d want to get in touch with them and ask for any clarification.
Don’t get angry or defensive about something that they’ve suggested. You want to understand where they’re coming from, not tell them they’re idiots.
This also isn’t the time to explain what you meant when you wrote what they’re commenting on. They’re responding to what’s on the page, not what’s in your head.
Practice smiling, nodding, thanking them, and then doing what you want.
Step 5: Make a plan
This is the part where George Clooney comes in and explains exactly what needs to be done to break into the safe and steal the diamonds.
You’re likely seeing what problem areas you need to focus your energy. You may also have some ideas on how to fix them. Some of these areas may even be ones you knew were problems from the beginning.
Step 5: Implement changes
You’ve got your plan, so now it’s time to run away to Portugal! Yay!
Damnit. Okay, maybe not.
Instead of running away, start implementing changes.
You know what you need to do, now do it. Revise!
Hello!
My name is Jocelyn.
Story warrior, book lover, day dreamer, gardener, and creative. I help serious writers roll up their sleeves, get their novel ready for publishing, and reach readers. When I’m not elbow-deep in the story trenches, I’m outside world-building in my garden and battling weeds with my three criminal mastermind cats.
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