“The Surprising Strength of Vulnerability”
Hello, writer! I hope you’ve had a good week and were able to give some thought to the editing process and making your message the very best in can be! This week, we’re going to examine one of the exciting parts of the editing journey: beta readers.
Having others read your work can be one of the most nerve-wracking things we do as first-time writers. But I’m here to encourage you today that—apart from hiring a professional editor (which I highly recommend)—there are few things quite as rewarding. The insights beta readers provide will be invaluable to your editing process. At no other time before publishing will you be getting firsthand feedback from readers! But before we jump in, let’s take a look at some others who’ve relied on a “second set of eyes” to help them along their journey.
A “Second Set of Eyes” in History
Lewis and Clark were a dynamic duo in their own right, each helping and balancing the other as they journeyed west to explore the Louisiana Purchase. But when they risked taking Frenchman Charbonneau and his pregnant Shoshone wife Sacagawea into their company, they gained Sacagawea’s invaluable insights and perspective as she helped them navigate encounters with other native tribes they came into contact with along the way.
In the same way, writer, every time we invite someone else into our journey, we take a risk. Traveling was difficult in those days. The kind of expedition Lewis and Clark had embarked on was not one women were often invited to join—especially in Sacagawea’s state. But her input helped ease their interactions with many wary tribes.
A “Second Set of Eyes” in the Bible
David is an excellent example of a man who sought the insights of his friends. One of the most notable of these instances was in his relationship with Jonathan. When David feared King Saul’s murderous intent against him, he didn’t simply flee. He asked his friend Jonathan for help to “read” his father. Though Jonathan hardly believed David’s fears, he agreed to be David’s “second set of eyes.” Though Jonathan’s efforts sadly confirmed David’s fears, David’s friendship with Jonathan lasted a lifetime and brought him critical encouragement and insight on more than one occasion.
A “Second Set of Eyes” in Life
One of the key times I had a “second set of eyes” at work in my life was during a season when I was spending much time in prayer and fasting. A dear friend invited me to travel with her during this time—to be her second set of eyes on some other matters. But when she saw how thin I was looking, she lovingly and courageously weighed in with some pivotal advice and perspective.
Now, here’s the interesting thing, writer. My friend spoke into a very personal part of my life. Possibly more personal that any manuscript I’ve written, but my willingness to receive her input saved me from potentially disastrous health consequences—and the development of a potentially deadly habit. My life has improved dramatically from receiving and heeding that advice from her “second set of eyes.”
A “Second Set of Eyes” in Your Life
You see, writer, our lives and perspectives and skills are limited in ways we might never recognize. After all, we don’t know what we don’t know. That’s why inviting others into the process is critical part of growth on our writing journey. Though at the start, it can feel scary, it’s one of the richest ways to strengthen our writing.
After all, consider David. Jonathan, his best friend, was the son of the King trying to kill him. Talk about risky.In opening his life to Jonathan, David risked exposure—even unintentionally—as Jonathan stole away to meet with him. Yet David treasure Jonathan and his input. Lewis and Clark risked including Charbonneau and his pregnant wife—which could have complicated their journey immensely. But, in choosing to include them in their journey, they benefited greatly from Charbonneau interpreting skills and Sacagawea’s knowledge of native cultures.
Now, here’s the interesting thing, writer. Opening our work up to others can leave us feeling—like David or Lewis and Clark or myself—a little vulnerable. It can seem risky to share our work. After all, it’s something very personal and very close to our hearts. But here’s the thing. While you definitely want to use wisdom in selecting beta readers, when your work has reached a certain level of maturity, we often stand to lose more from not sharing. Let me show you.
- Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11:14
- As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
- Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. – Proverbs 18:1
- Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. – Proverbs 27:9
You see, writer? There is much wisdom to be gained in good counsel. That does not mean every single piece of advice you get will be perfect. But it does mean that as you seek the input of others, you will grow and your perspective will be expanded and your story strengthened.
Where to Start with Getting a “Second Set of Eyes”
If you’re wondering where to begin in enlisting some beta readers for your work, here are some thoughts to start you off on the right foot…
- Enlist Friends & Family. Do you have family in your target audience? Family and friends, can be a valuable resource as you engage beta readers. After all, they know you best and can give some key insights into you and your story. Just be sure you choose friends and family who are willing and able to be honest with you. In the same token, because they are friends and family who know you, there are certain things they won’t see because they will tend to think like you do. That’s why it’s beneficial to also…
- Join a Writers Group. Beta reads who are writers can also give invaluable input. Especially if you’ve been struggling with aspects of the craft of writing. Also, writers groups, events, retreats and conferences are all an excellent way to find others who have interest in you, your story, and the heart of your message.
- Know Your why. If you dig into the experience of David, Lewis and Clark, and even myself, you will find that each of us “did our research” so to speak before we received input from our “second set of eyes.” And as you seek out beta readers, you will have to have done your research, too. Make sure you know your “why” so that as you receive feedback you can appropriately apply it to your story to strengthen it. Because here’s the thing. Any of us can take advice blindly…or wrongly. I could have been angry at my friend’s “meddling.” David could have taken Jonathan’s first positive (but wrong) assessment at face value. In both cases, the results would have been disastrous. Having prepared ahead will help you assimilate the feedback you gain from your beta readers.
Distinguish Between Notes on Clarity versus Style. Clarity and cohesion issues discovered by beta readers always need to be addressed! When a story is unclear, it lacks strength. I always prioritize notes on clarity, points of confusion, outright errors, and weakness. However, you may receive notes on style that have little impact on your overall goals and could even be a detriment to your message if implemented. These notes usually rest on personal preference or the influence of unrelated genres or specific business models that some follow. Discerning between notes on clarity and style might take some time and thought, but it is worth the effort. A strong grasp of your “why” will help you navigate as well as…
Prayer. Be sure to seek the Lord as you enlist beta readers and receive their feedback. If you ever feel overwhelmed or shocked, take the feedback you received to Him and ask for His wisdom and an open mind to understand the heart of what your beta reader is trying to communicate. Often there is a message beneath the words that will prove instructive even if the point itself is a bit “off.”
Writing is a journey. And when we try to journey alone, we will miss our own blind spots. But God has given us the gift of each other in order to strengthen and sharpen us. We sharpen one another as Proverbs 27:17 says. And just as it says in Ephesians 4:15-16
…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
The same thing happens with us, writer, when we are willing to risk our vulnerabilities and open our lives to others.
So I encourage you today, writer. If you feel a little nervous, prayerfully discern who the Lord has placed (or is bringing) into your life who are meant to walk with you through this phase of your writing journey. Don’t be afraid to begin with friends and family. But then, I encourage you—don’t stop there. Reach out to those you know are interested, people of integrity, who maybe don’t know you as well. Who are part of your target audience. Who are professionals. Maybe even other writers.
As you do, be sure to carefully weigh feedback against your “why,” your goals, and your audience. Keep a humble heart as you seek His wisdom. You will be amazed, as you open up your work to others, how it will begin opening doors inside you and in words and work, too.
#community #trust #growth #EveryWriterWriting
