Writing In Public: The Key to Resonating with Your Audience
Christian authors can greatly enhance the impact and relevance of their work by embracing feedback even before the work is finished.
For any author, the journey of writing is not just about self-expression but also about conveying messages that resonate with the faith and values of their audience. However, one critical step in this journey is often overlooked or purposefully avoided – going “public” with your work to seek feedback and gauge the interest of your fanbase. This step is crucial for understanding what truly connects with your readers.
As Allen Gannett, author of The Creative Curve, advocates:
"Artists are traditionally reluctant to let others see their work before it is done. But great creatives and great companies know that the only way to consistently create in the sweet spot of the creative curve is by putting their work before an audience early and often. It is important to do this before investing in creation, narrowing your options to those that have a reasonable probability of success. From there, intuition and judgment usually govern the final choices.”
Some of you just got scared. As writers, many of us are perfectionists and we don’t want to let our writing out into the world unless it’s perfect—sharing drafts might seem akin to walking out of the house in our underwear! However, seeking feedback is precisely so important because it helps us create the truly best product.
Let’s dive into what Gannett’s statement means and why public feedback of your work is necessary.
[This post is sponsored by Procrastination to Publication]
Why Feedback Matters
1. Enhances Relevance and Impact
By exposing your work to an audience early, you gain insights into what aspects of your message are most impactful. Feedback helps in refining your message to ensure it's not only biblically sound but also relevant to your audience's current struggles and questions. For instance, my personal Substack newsletter is called “Faithful and Funny” but surprisingly my audience seems to resonate most when I talk about grief and some of the really serious parts of my life.
2. Fosters Community Engagement
Seeking feedback creates a sense of community among your readers. It opens a dialogue, allowing them to contribute to your creative process. People love being an “insider,” so if you take them behind the scenes and show them the rough edges of writing, that authenticity can easily attract more fans. This type of engagement can also deepen their connection to your work and to you personally.
3. Improves Writing Skills
Constructive criticism is a goldmine for personal growth. It highlights areas for improvement that you might not see yourself, helping you to hone your writing skills and become a more effective communicator of your faith. Even when I hire a professional editor, I will still employ an army of volunteer beta readers who can catch typos and make comments. Since some of these readers are my intended audience, I can get feedback on what helps or hinders the story.
4. Validates Your Direction
As Gannett suggests, testing your ideas early ensures that you invest time and resources in concepts that have a higher likelihood of resonating with your audience. This validation is crucial in a field as subjective as writing, especially when addressing matters of faith. Polling your audience can help you decide if you should write sci-fi or fantasy next, or if the market needs another book on prayer. If you want to sell well, make something people are clamoring for.
5. Encourages Innovation
Feedback from the public can also inspire innovation. It can push you to explore new themes, narratives, or styles that you might not have considered, leading to fresh and engaging ways to express your teachings or share your story. Collaboration is something we preach here at Christian Author Support and something Gannett advocates through his own research on what makes ideas truly world-changing. Two heads are better than one. When we invite other people into our writing process, we can come up with things more imaginative than if on our own.
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Overcoming the Fear of Feedback
It's natural to feel hesitant about exposing your work, especially when it’s deeply personal. However, remember that feedback is not about criticism but about growth and connection. Approach it with an open heart and a willingness to learn, and you'll find that it enriches both your writing and your spiritual journey.
For Christian authors, seeking feedback is not just a step in the writing process; it's a pathway to greater impact and deeper connections with your audience. It allows you to align your creative expression with the needs and hearts of your readers, ensuring that your work resonates with them on a deeper level. As Gannett notes, it's about finding that sweet spot where your creativity meets the needs and expectations of your audience. Embrace feedback, and watch your work grow in ways you never imagined.
This post is sponsored by Procrastination to Publication
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