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Nathan and Nat dive deep into the challenging process of incorporating feedback during the writing and editing process. They explore how to effectively evaluate and implement reader feedback while maintaining the core vision for your work, drawing from their experiences writing their respective novels.
How do you decide which feedback to take seriously? When should you trust your gut versus listening to readers? They share strategies for prioritizing feedback, from focusing on "top-down" story-level changes to being selective about beta readers. They also discuss the delicate balance between getting enough outside perspective while avoiding the trap of endless revisions.
Whether you're working on your first novel or your fifth, their discussion offers practical advice and reassurance about the messy reality of incorporating feedback while staying true to your creative vision.
TIMESTAMPS
[02:25] Nathan's novel update
[06:47] Career authors' advice on taking time with dialogue
[11:16] Strategies for incorporating feedback
[13:51] Identifying problems vs solutions in feedback
[16:00] Balancing genre expectations with writing goals
[19:21] Incorporating elements from other genres
[23:35] Using gut instinct to evaluate feedback
[25:23] The top-down editing approach
[31:02] Pressures of first novels
[37:00] Editing in self-publishing vs traditional publishing
[42:08] Optimal number of beta readers and feedback sources
[47:28] Techniques for self-editing
[51:20] Permission-giving in writing through reading others
[57:08] Getting feedback vs trusting your instincts
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