I Have Taken Notes On Your Book However

I Have Taken Notes on Your Book, However…: A Guide to Effective Feedback

Giving feedback, especially on a completed book manuscript, is a delicate art. It requires a balance of honesty, empathy, and constructive criticism. Simply stating "I have taken notes on your book, however..." leaves the author hanging, craving specifics. This article explores how to provide truly helpful feedback after reading a manuscript, transforming a hesitant "however" into a powerful catalyst for improvement.

Understanding the Weight of "However"

The phrase "I have taken notes on your book, however..." immediately sets a slightly negative tone. While it acknowledges the effort invested in reading the manuscript, the "however" implies that the feedback won't be entirely positive. This can be disheartening for authors who have poured their heart and soul into their work. The key is to alleviate this potential negativity by offering specific, actionable suggestions. Avoid vague generalizations. Instead of saying the plot is "slow," explain where the pacing lags and why. Instead of saying the characters are "unlikeable," identify specific character traits or actions that contribute to this perception and suggest alternatives.

Before the Feedback: Preparing the Groundwork

Before diving into the critique, ensure you've established a clear understanding with the author about the type of feedback they're seeking. Do they want a comprehensive critique covering all aspects of the manuscript, or are they focusing on specific elements like plot, character development, or pacing?

Clarifying Expectations:

• Scope of feedback: Agree upfront on the areas you'll focus on. It's impossible to comprehensively critique every aspect of a book in one go. Prioritize the author's key concerns.
• Feedback style: Discuss the preferred style of feedback—detailed, concise, or somewhere in between. Some authors prefer a summary, while others appreciate line-by-line notes.
• Timeline: Set realistic expectations for when the feedback will be delivered.
• Confidentiality: Emphasize that the feedback will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of improving the manuscript.

Delivering the Feedback: The Art of Constructive Criticism

After careful reading and note-taking, it's time to craft your feedback. Remember, your goal is to help the author improve their work, not to tear it down.

Structuring Your Feedback:

• Begin with the positive: Start by highlighting aspects you genuinely enjoyed. This sets a positive tone and makes the criticism easier to receive. Focus on specific examples: "The dialogue in Chapter 5 was particularly sharp and witty," or "I loved the way you developed the relationship between [Character A] and [Character B]."
• Address the major concerns: Tackle the most significant issues first. Prioritize based on their impact on the overall story. Avoid burying important criticisms within a lengthy discussion of minor points.
• Be specific and provide examples: Instead of saying "The plot is confusing," pinpoint the specific parts that caused confusion. Offer concrete examples: "The introduction of the new character in Chapter 8 felt abrupt and unexplained. It would help if you added a brief backstory or foreshadowed their appearance earlier."
• Offer actionable suggestions: Don't just point out problems; suggest solutions. Avoid vague pronouncements. Instead of "The ending is unsatisfying," suggest alternative ways to resolve the plot or improve the emotional impact.
• Focus on the "what" and "why," not just the "how": Explain why something doesn't work, and offer suggestions on what could be done instead. Simply pointing out flaws without offering solutions is unhelpful.
• Separate opinions from facts: Be clear about what are your subjective opinions and what are objective observations about the writing itself. Use phrases like "I felt that..." or "In my opinion..." for subjective points.
• Be respectful and professional: Maintain a polite and encouraging tone throughout your feedback. Even if you disagree with certain choices, express your criticism constructively. Avoid personal attacks or judgmental language.
• Use a consistent format: Whether you're providing inline comments, a separate document, or a combination of both, use a consistent format to make your feedback easy to follow. Consider using different colors for different types of feedback (e.g., positive comments in green, areas for improvement in yellow, and major concerns in red).

Addressing Specific Aspects of a Manuscript

Effective feedback goes beyond general comments. It dives deep into the specifics, offering detailed insights on various elements:

Plot and Structure:

• Pacing: Identify sections where the pacing feels too slow or too fast. Suggest ways to adjust the pacing to maintain reader engagement. For example, suggest adding tension-building scenes or removing unnecessary details to speed up slower sections.
• Plot holes: Point out inconsistencies or gaps in the plot. Explain how these issues disrupt the reader's immersion in the story and suggest solutions.
• Structure: Analyze the overall structure of the story. Suggest changes to improve the flow and coherence of the narrative. For example, recommend reordering chapters, adding flashbacks or foreshadowing, or adjusting the climax and resolution.
• Conflict: Evaluate the effectiveness of the central conflict. Is it compelling enough to drive the narrative? Are the stakes high enough? Does the conflict resolve in a satisfying way?

Character Development:

• Consistency: Check for inconsistencies in characters' behavior, motivations, or personalities. Do their actions align with their established traits?
• Motivation: Are the characters' motivations clear and believable? Do they have compelling reasons for their actions?
• Depth: Are the characters well-developed? Do they have unique personalities, backstories, and relationships?
• Arcs: Do the characters undergo significant changes or growth throughout the story? Do their arcs feel realistic and meaningful?

Setting and Worldbuilding:

• Immersion: Does the setting feel real and immersive? Does the author successfully transport the reader to another world?
• Details: Are the setting details vivid and evocative? Do they contribute to the story's atmosphere and mood?
• Consistency: Is the setting consistently described throughout the manuscript? Are there any inconsistencies or contradictions?

Writing Style and Prose:

• Clarity: Is the writing clear, concise, and easy to understand? Are there any sentences or passages that are confusing or ambiguous?
• Voice: Does the author have a consistent and engaging voice? Does the tone suit the story's genre and theme?
• Show, Don't Tell: Does the author effectively use descriptive language to show the reader what's happening, rather than simply telling them?
• Word Choice: Is the language appropriate for the story's tone and target audience? Are there any words or phrases that could be improved?

After the Feedback: The Next Steps

After delivering your feedback, it's crucial to provide continued support and encouragement. Be prepared for the author to have questions or need further clarification.

Following Up:

• Offer to discuss the feedback: Be available to discuss your comments and answer any questions the author may have.
• Be patient and understanding: Remember that revising a manuscript is a time-consuming and challenging process. Be patient and supportive as the author works to improve their work.
• Celebrate their successes: When the author makes progress, acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. Positive reinforcement is crucial.

Conclusion: Turning "However" into "Furthermore"

The phrase "I have taken notes on your book, however..." can be a springboard for meaningful and effective feedback. By following these steps, you can transform that hesitant "however" into a positive "furthermore," empowering the author to refine their manuscript and bring their story to its full potential. Remember, giving constructive criticism is a collaborative process that benefits both the author and the reader. By offering specific, actionable feedback, you're not just identifying flaws; you're contributing to the creation of a better book. The goal is to celebrate the author's effort and provide them with the tools they need to reach their full writing potential.