It’s Personal - Not Publishable.

Why serious writers need serious reviewers.

How personal is your writing? Write, post and be read to your heart’s content. Write it your way. One draft with no desire to edit shouldn't matter to anyone but you. It’s personal.

Or is it a piece of fiction or an essay that you want to go public; to someday shine so bright on the shelves of Barnes and Noble that the world can’t miss it? Do you actually want to sell something - for cash?

The purpose of a serious reviewer is not to critique personal, for fun, diary-type stay-at-home writing, nor is it that of an elementary school teacher of English. I assume anyone who has written a novel, novelette, or short story will know their nouns and verbs and be above the seventh grade level in their education. I assume they know how to write. To assume anything less is condescending in my opinion. But, even personal memoirs should be written well, if it is to be a gift to the family, and they can stand to go through a bit of content feedback too.

Hardcore reviewers are not necessarily better writers, they are experienced readers who are able to read with comprehension and remember what is being said throughout the work.

A serious critiquer goes directly for the body of the story and digs out stuff that bogs it down, they don’t waste time by only searching out the occasional typos or misplaced commas. Those will be found during editing of the last draft. Experienced writers know the worth of ‘negative’ feedback, and ask for it. Specifically. They don’t need someone to be so gentle with their work that they only point out a typo - but don’t touch the content.

Critiques are the single best source of writers tools available to find the flaws and to improve their writing skills. If a writer has the nerve to post and ask for critical reviews, the least a reviewer can do is have the nerve to give it. To do anything less is not doing the serious writer a favor. Isn’t that what a writing group is all about? In-depth critiques helps to move the writer closer to his goal of getting published.

The reviewers who are able to do this are few, and no wonder, it’s hard work! It takes a lot of time and dedication. The rewards are few while the discouragements are many. Honest reviewers and raters are worth their weight in gold to the serious writer who has a deep desire to be a better writer.

The problem lies in knowing who these writers are. They need to be as honest with their requests, and ready to accept the responses and low rates when they ask for in-depth critiques. Don't blame the reviewer if they give you what you ask for.