Hiya folks,

I hope that those of you who participated in this year's National Novel Writing Month  have recovered. It takes a hell of a lot of effort to write a novel in 300 days, let alone in only 30, and we here at WriteByNight are proud of you. 

Whether you've completed a full draft or a partial, you might be wondering how to go about getting fresh eyes on your work so that you can continue writing and revising with direction and confidence. 

Finding someone willing to read your work will not be a challenge. You know plenty of people who'd be happy to do you a favor, right? Friends, family, coworkers. The problem you're much more likely to encounter is that what you'll receive from those kind folks won't be what you need: objective, professional feedback.

Case in point, a new book coaching client of ours recently emailed me this: "I send my writing to family and friends, but if they read it it's always the same response. 'It was really good.' Then I'm back to square one." 

We hear this sort of thing a lot. Sure, it feels good to have loved ones pat you on the back for a job well done, and that brand of support definitely has its place in the writing process--but will it benefit your project? Will it open your eyes to questions and concerns you had been unaware of? Will it push your writing process forward? Will it help you to make your writing better?

Nope! But objective, targeted feedback does. Here are a few ways you can get that feedback:

• Join a writing group, either in-person or online - Browse our resources for writers by state; find a Meetup group; or ask for referrals from your writer friends
  
  
• Enroll in a writing workshop, like the In Short Fiction Workshop in Austin - 6 meetings in 2014 are now open for registration!
  
  
• Sign on for a manuscript critique by a professional writer, including detailed written editorial feedback and commentary throughout your manuscript and a one-hour meeting

Don't settle for "It was really good." You have options. WriteByNight is here to help whenever you're ready to accomplish your literary goals. 

If that's right now, email me. 

Looking forward to reading your work,
Justine