Book Editing Services or Writer Groups? What’s Best?
When it comes to book editing and discussion of writing plans,
can a group of fellow writers replace a professional book editing service? But BETA readers are important, right? Yes, they are. Writers love to get together and help each other. It gives them the opportunity to share ideas, techniques, marketing strategies, and explore whole new sides of the writing process. This stimulation is a marvelous adjunct to your own writing efforts.
But should a writer expect a group of well-intentioned fellow writers to replace professional book editing services or even provide adequate proofreading services?
Replace—no.
Supplement—yes.
Writing groups are great but for a very specific step in the writing process.
One reason I endorse writer groups is because writing is a solitary (and lonely!) experience. A writer can feel as if they are the only ones faced with specific problems. They aren’t! In a group, you soon realize all writers face similar experiences–both good and bad.
However, there can be a distinct down-side to expecting that a writing group can replace book editing services. Especially online groups.
I’ve joined, led, and spoken at various writers’ groups. And I’ve learned a lot. But some of the lessons had little to do with writing. There ARE goods groups and you can gain by any you attend, if only to open your eyes to the various approaches to writing. Like in any group, the mix of people who attend will make all the difference. Focusing on a group of writers who write in your same genre (memoir, mystery, fantasy, children’s stories, etc.) can be the most rewarding.
Also, don’t discard trying out an “any genre allowed” group; sometimes the freshness of a variety of writers and various genres is stimulating. Consider on-line writers’ groups, too. There are lots of them out there, so be picky and find one that suits you best. The following principles apply for both local groups and online writing groups.
TYPES OF WRITING GROUPS:
Writer’s groups are extremely varied. Some are no more than social clubs, with lots of members, very organized, with potlucks and many members who never quite get around to writing.
Others are hardcore book editing types, the “you must bring in so much each week” advocates. Others have members who write, yes, but few or none of them are able/willing/interested in giving any real feedback to the other members. I’ve been in all these types and more. Some sweet and sincere, some very helpful, others defensive or just plain combative.
Willing listeners or too many voices?
WILLING LISTENERS:
Most groups devote much of their time reading and discussing each other’s writing. The more exposure you can get for your writing to willing listeners the better–right? Not necessarily. Are these people the type to read (as in “buy a book on”) the kind of thing you are writing? Is their comment really pertinent to your genre? Some group members may be very capable of offering great advice on ANY genre, yet others will see all writing from their own genre’s perspective only, which may not help and, in fact, hinder you.
NETWORKING:
Networking with other writers about agents, publishers, what’s hot on the market, etc. is one of a writer’s most valuable tools. Some will have used book editing services or proofreading services and can give you their personal feedback on them. You still have to do your own research, but you can get a leg up with others sharing this kind of information with you. And you can learn much about the techniques of writing, too, if the others in a group share what they’ve learned from this book or that workshop.
ONLINE WARNING:
One particular problem with online groups can be caustic and hurtful criticisms. It is possible you have weaknesses in various areas (we all do!) but in live groups, with people face-to-face, comments will usually be tempered with enough consideration that even negative criticism doesn’t sound mean. Online it isn’t also tempered—at all! The facelessness of the Internet allows a member to slam a writer with criticism in wording they’d never use in person. The key here is to read some of the other online criticism first and decide if the group’s tone is respectful of its members before joining in. That is one more way in which professional book editing services are valuable: they can deliver that sometimes harsh truth about a manuscript’s weaknesses but along with advice on how to remedy it.
WHEN TO USE A WRITING GROUP:
Most writers do seek out either writing groups or BETA readers for their books. These are valuable places to see how others respond to your words. This is valuable first step. So … my best advice is to attend a few writing groups, yes, but to keep your eyes and ears and heart open. Tell them you are only visiting. See what they offer in the way of real help to the others, how cliquish they are, how capable they are at writing themselves. And then decide if YOU would feel comfortable BOTH having them read and comment on your work and also if you would be comfortable commenting on theirs.
WHEN TO NOT USE A WRITING GROUP
Groups change as members leave and new ones join in, and that is fine. In fact, there is a danger in spending more time learning to write than actually writing. So read this article if you need to strike a balance between groups, opinions, learning and the actual writing process.
WHEN TO USE BOOK EDITING SERVICES:
Realize these groups, however, are not professional book editors nor should you expect them to provide you with free book editing or proofreading services. The groups are there as your first step in getting the book solid enough to then explore the world of professional book editing. When you are ready to submit for publishing, head for a book editing service to give your book the polish and edge it needs to compete.
Want personal help with your writing project?
Contact me directly with an email and let’s discuss YOUR book project!
Sandra Haven, Editor
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