For example, if you are writing romance, then your first readers should be familar with the romance genre. A thriller reader might not be the best choice for the most helpful comments.
If you write literary prose, someone who loves hardboiled detectives may not have the knowledge of the genre needed to be an effective critquer.
Now I'm not saying you can't get some valuable feedback from them, however you have to take into consideration their writing experience and background.
This also applies to instructors. Whether you take classes online, at conferences or at a school of some sort, if your instructor isn't familar with the genre you write, then you may be getting some wrong information.
So, another lesson learned. Now on to the next one.:-)
5 comments:
Sounds good. :-)
Much of the time, I'm still not sure what genre my short stories are, so that makes it hard to find the right reader/critiquer - but I can sure see where it would be a big help.
I try to remember this when I wonder why some of my friends never seem to buy my books. Wrong genre! It's not personal, not a lack of support, they just don't read what I write.
They are not, as one might say, in my target market.
Malcolm
That a great point Sun Singer. Often our friends and family are not our target market.
Especially when it comes to getting a helpful critique.
You made a very good point. Something to definitely remember.
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