I know several authors who have had their books ruined by well-meaning advice. There was a huge, critique group craze back in the 1990's, when I first ventured into publishing world. I had one friend who had her book critiqued to death and was ready to give up on it. Because I didn't know what I was doing (then), I told her to go back to the story she loved. She did and she got a contract on it. Not long after, agents and publishers (in romance) began to comment on getting over-critiqued books. I had a mentor who told me some excellent advice. She said, if the comments make you excited to work on the book, that's a good critique. If they make you want to give up? Ignore. Good article.
I had a similar experience with The Iron Admiral. A literary agent wanted me to rework the book in a number of ways. Some of that advice was good and I did some work on it. But I overworked it, taking out extraneous details that (apparently) slowed the story and didn't add much to the plot. I think this is going to be another one of those times when it deserves its own post . :)
How fun to flash back to those old Authonomy days. Wise words here. Reminds me of your 'rules' post, not all rules apply!
Authonomy was a good thing, at least until the gamers arrived. And yes, it's all about the 'rules'.
I know several authors who have had their books ruined by well-meaning advice. There was a huge, critique group craze back in the 1990's, when I first ventured into publishing world. I had one friend who had her book critiqued to death and was ready to give up on it. Because I didn't know what I was doing (then), I told her to go back to the story she loved. She did and she got a contract on it. Not long after, agents and publishers (in romance) began to comment on getting over-critiqued books. I had a mentor who told me some excellent advice. She said, if the comments make you excited to work on the book, that's a good critique. If they make you want to give up? Ignore. Good article.
I had a similar experience with The Iron Admiral. A literary agent wanted me to rework the book in a number of ways. Some of that advice was good and I did some work on it. But I overworked it, taking out extraneous details that (apparently) slowed the story and didn't add much to the plot. I think this is going to be another one of those times when it deserves its own post . :)
Yeah, this needs its own post. haha