Some writers wonder why other writers feel the need to help each other out when the going gets tough. I say they need to lighten up a bit, get stuck in and reap the benefits of working with and learning from other people who are on the same journey.
Before I crack on, it’s worth pointing out that this post is a slightly adjusted transcript of a short audio clip I previously posted on AudioBoo, which you can listen to via the embedded player above.
The plan for the upcoming and very exciting update to Write for Your Life is to include more audio and video material. But I’m aware of the problems that might lead to for people who are partially sighted or hard of hearing.
I used this clip to see how long it would take me to transcribe and adapt the recording (30 minutes, since you’re asking). And then I thought I might as well post it. So here you go…
Back to the beginning
Should writers help other writers? I’ve sometimes heard (or rather seen) the question asked amongst the online writing community, and I’ve heard it said by people in ‘real’ life too.
Personally, I’m not really sure what harm can come from helping other writers. In fact, I’m not really sure what harm can come from helping other people in general.
And here’s why.
You scratch mine
I believe that what goes around tends to come around. If you’re prepared to do another writer a favour, whether it’s for someone that you know from your local writing group or someone who comments on your blog, and whether they’ve asked you to read their short story for them or have a look at their latest blog article, you should consider doing it.
Because one day, you might have to ask someone for a similar favour yourself.
It might be you that wants your blog article commented upon, or your short story read. Writing is not the solitary pursuit it’s often made out to be. Especially not these days, what with the internet making it so darn easy to have a good cyber-chinwag.
Frankly, us writers would do well to forge as many meaningful relationships with other writers as we can. Sometimes that means helping each other out.
Of course, if it’s a huge favour, like ‘Please will you edit my novel for me,’ then that’s something that you might have to consider slightly differently. But for smaller tasks, I don’t see the problem with helping out as much as you can.
Help yourself
It will also help you learn more about your own work. If you just concentrate on your writing and your little writing world, your work can become slightly stale and you may be missing out on potential new ideas by helping or collaborating with other writers.
It’s surprising how often a quick favour for someone else can in turn help you learn and improve as well.
But remember…
My one caveat of course, is that you must make sure you have the required time available to help another writer. Above all, you have to put your own writing first.
If you end up in a situation where you’re behind with deadlines or your sacrificing any element of your own work, then that’s the time that you simply have to say no.
But in general, I say yes, writers should definitely help other writers. Aside from all the benefits, I can’t see how there can possibly be too much wrong with the notion.
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4 February 2010
Of course writers should help other writers. We also learn improvement through collaboration with our peers.
4 February 2010
I firmly believe that writers should help other writers, because what goes around comes around. Period.
5 February 2010
Yes. Not only for karma points, but also because it helps you build a writing community. Whenever I feel stuck or discouraged, I know I can turn to the writing friends I’ve helped out and ask for help in return. We support each other. And if all it takes is for me to read a few pages now and then, then so be it.
Although, I agree, your writing has to come first. You have to know how to set boundaries.
5 February 2010
I too feel that this is a no-brainer, as long as boundaries are known and respected, then everyone involved knows where they are and how to treat each other.
One thing that I personally feel uncomfortable about is critiquing another writer’s work. I simply can’t do it; I suffered so much in the past as a result of poor critiquing that I am terrified of accidentally doing the same to someone else, no matter how hard I tried not to do so. So I say no gently and explain why, and try to help in other ways. I do struggle with this, as I have benefitted from some excellent critiquing too, maybe I’ll get over it some day.
But when it comes to emotional support, cheering others on and also helping to promote each other, I think (imho) that it’s not only the best way to live one’s life as a writer, but also as a decent human being.
5 February 2010
I would LOVE to help other writers, I just don’t think I’m experienced enough yet. It would be fun to have someone to review blog posts before they get published though. Four eyes are better than two!
8 February 2010
When I first began, I found other writers to be rather selfish and precious about their ideas. Which was sad but later I realised that they were covering up their defensiveness
8 February 2010
Writing is solitary but to continue there has to be at least one other person who you know cares. I write still because it matters but I also know that somewhere it mattered to someone else but do not be mistaken it has to matter to you first. I have an inspirational file I consult when I become depressed to remind myself something I said impacted someone else. Some things in it are personal E Mails of reactions to something I wrote that remind me I mattered as a writer to someone else–some of which are from fellow writers. Others pieces are inspirational articles. Writer need fellow writers who you find out all have struggles and doubts but continue to proceed.
8 February 2010
I have had experiences similar to eeleenlee’s (see comment above), and never understood WHY any of us word lovers would want to shut out other word lovers. I see no reason for the territoriality, the defensiveness. I love reading good writing; don’t mind whose, or where it comes from.
8 February 2010
Critiquing is something that is immensely helpful if done supportively. Not all writers can do it – or want to – but only another writer can understand how.
13 February 2010
Writing definitely is a solitary act, I just don’t see why it has to be a lonely one.
I think we can truly benefit from helping each other; getting useful feedback, constructive criticism and the fact that we know we’re not all alone out there.
13 February 2010
Iain,
I agree with Emma on this one. I’m loathe to critique another writer’s work. Even if they say, “It’s ok, be brutally honest.” Umm. It’s not really ok.
Otherwise, I love helping other writers and would do most anything asked. it is the right thing to do!
George
13 February 2010
Whatever happened in the past, where writing was seen as a solitary profession, there were still editors and cover designers etc. There has always been some element of collaboration. But in this day and age, where writers below the level of Dan Brown really are responsible for their own market, they absolutely have to reach out to other people and rather than cast lines in the dark, there exists a ready made community of fellow writers online who collectively will have ways for you to widen your own reach. To me it’s a no-brainer and my experience of beta-reading the novels of people in other continents who I have never even met or spoken to other than online, provides some sort of frisson of excitement I can’t even explain. I’m not a commissioning editor or anything of the sort, but I’m guessing it is akin to the feeling an editor gets when they pick up something from a slush pile that blows them away.
13 February 2010
A huge thank you to everyone who’s been kind enough to read and comment on this post. My own take on critiquing others’ work is that you have to either a) do it for free for someone you have an established relationship with, or b) do it as a paid service, where expectations are set out at the start and the relationship is purely professional.
I’ve done the first of these many, many times and not encountered huge problems. I think that the established relationship allows you to pitch your feedback. If it’s someone you know can take it, be brutal. If you think your criticism might damage their confidence, take a lighter approach (but with the same message).
Lastly, you might like to know that the much-promised and not too distant WfYL relaunch will include a paid for critiquing/feedback service. I promise to be gentle!
16 February 2010
I think it depends on the definition of ‘help’. I have two great writer-friends and a terrific editor who read over most of my fiction work. They give unbiased (well, as unbiased as possible) criticism. If something in my writing doesn’t work, I can trust all three of them to give me unabashed, ‘brutal’ feedback. My friends work for dinners and cocktails, my editor works for cash. In addition, I took quite a lot of time searching for a great writing group- the feedback I’ve received thus far has been incredibly helpful. The harsher, the better. I really don’t want to guard/baby my words, but I DO want to improve their readability!
As far as editing/critiquing for others… I always ask the writer giving me work if he/she wants constructive- albeit harsh- feedback. If yes, I’ll rip him/her a new one, because what work can’t improve? What I delight in is being able to read a final draft that has undergone multiple incarnations of brain-popping revision. It shows. If someone isn’t up for honest feedback, I usually pass. All of this said, I am as fair as I can be, and don’t try to look for problems when there aren’t any.
I agree with your other readers who have said that helping other writers is best when done in a supportive manner. My editor, for example, is genius at letting me know where both strengths and weaknesses rest in a work. Two years ago, with just one wisely wrought (yet harsh – it brought me to tears!) comment about a third draft of a novel, and I was off and running with a revision I’m only now completing. That’s a good editor, to make me want to stick with such a major (yet necessary) upheaval.
28 March 2010
Well said. I applaud you.