Written by Lynne (editor)—September 22, 2023

Writing can be a lonely process. We authors sit at our computer (or notepad) writing things down, living in our heads a lot of the time, seeing things no one else can see. Then when we’ve finished our manuscript, we look at it and wonder if it’s any good.

As a professional editor, I can tell you unreservedly that you need to get at least one round of professional editing before you publish your book. This is because a professional editor can give you a lot of industry advice that others might not know, as well as advice on how to improve every facet of your manuscript. However, we aren’t going to be there constantly for feedback or the pat on the back you might need. So how do you get that?

Consider joining a writers’ group. They can be a great way to get immediate feedback and encouragement in your writing journey. There are many different groups available that meet in different ways. You don’t have to go to one that meets at a library or café if you’re not keen on meeting in public. There are writers’ groups on Goodreads, Facebook and other social media sites, and others that meet on Skype and Zoom.

Writers’ groups can be a great way to get feedback, not just on your writing, but also from others who are further along than you in their writing journey. They may have found a professional editor they like who they can recommend to you. They may have a great cover designer. Perhaps they know the best way forward for you if you want to do everything yourself, from cover design to self-publishing.

Writers’ groups provide a wonderful pool of information, encouragement and help for an author and their support can be the difference between success and failure. They might be able to talk you off that ledge—you know, the one where you’re saying, ‘I should just give up. I’m no good at this.’—and make you realise that your story is worth something and with a bit more work, you can have the success you long for.

How do you find them? If you’re on a social media site like Facebook, Goodreads or Threads, search ‘writing group’ and see what pops up. You can also search Google, maybe adding your location or the genre you write in, as there are often writers’ groups that handle specific genres. I am a member of a few on Facebook that are for science fiction and fantasy authors and it’s been great to get feedback and bounce ideas off others in this group.

So if you find the writing journey a little lonely, don’t lose hope. There are people out there just like you who would be happy to chat about the ups and downs of being an author.

For more information on professional editing, check out the AEP website here.