What should a new writer do when friends or family members ask to look at your fledgling WIP (work in progress)? We’re usually eager to share our work, and want to hear if we’re on the right track.
The problem is, over-exuberant praise can keep us from polishing a draft, and commands to “send it out now!” can result in a lot of rejections.
On the other hand, getting negative feedback too soon can stall a WIP, stifle creativity — or even stop a career before it starts.
Negative feedback comes more often than we expect. I don’t know why it is, but for some reason, folks who happily offer praise to beginning musicians, quilters, sculptors, or Star Trek action-figurine painters, often feel compelled to launch into scathing critiques of the efforts of the creative writer.
I remember showing an early story to a non-writer boyfriend. He returned the manuscript covered with red-penciled “corrections”— changing characters’ names, dialogue, and much of the plot.
I asked why he felt the need to edit my story. He said, “What else would I do with it?” I said, “The same thing I do when you show me your woodworking projects — tell me what you like about it.”
He looked at me as if I had just arrived from the Delta Quadrant.
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
No! Never! If you are tempted please smack yourself about the head with a substantial tree branch until the impulse has passed. Repeat as often as necessary … and DO NOT tell said friend/family member why you are smacking yourself about the head with a tree branch. That only leads to the dark side.
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Hi Chris
when working as a professionell author I never showed my WIP to friends or family. Unfortunately. they have the tendency to be everything but critical. As a writer I needed somebody who doesn’t hesitate to criticise my work. Therefore I worked with editors. As bigger the publishing house as better the editors. Without harsh critique there is neither progress nor success.
But, of course, one has to discuss the WIP with the editor and publisher to plan the PR campaign and prepare the foreign rights agents. And last not least, to discuss the text with the distribution people. Their input is essential because they are in connection with the book sellers.
All the best
Klausbernd 🙂
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Sounds like you made the right decisions, Klausbernd 👍
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I received some harsh criticism on my stories from friends, but the points did seem valid.
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Thanks to Anne for this perspective.
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