Why You Need to Show Your Work to an Editor

Putting hours of work into that masterpiece and completing it on time is something cherished by every writer. That’s why most writers are reluctant to show their work to an editor.

You don’t want anyone criticizing your work. You fear having someone judge your work because you invested too much into it. Your time, research, and sleep. It can be difficult to hand it over to someone else and ask for their opinion.

However, that’s the best way to ensure you write quality content people want to read and set yourself up for success.

So, if you fear having your work criticized, here are a few things to convince you it’s an important step in your writer’s journey:

· You’ll identify mistakes you made and missed

Making mistakes when writing is common. It’s not something that beginners alone fall prey to. Even the experts and famous writers you admire make common mistakes here and there.

Haven’t you noticed it from their finest work?

So, don’t fear someone pointing out the mistakes you make because it improves your writing. It allows you to fine-tune your work, avoid repeating common mistakes, and ensure you keep cultivating your skill.

Editing your work is important and you have to do it with every piece you write. However, there are certain mistakes you’ll still miss when you proofread or edit your own work. I don’t know why that happens but it happens.

Some of the mistakes you miss can be embarrassing to you once you notice them after publishing. That’s where a professional touch comes in handy.

An editor will help you avoid those embarrassing errors so you can keep your work clean and engaging.

Your editor or writing coach will not only help you avoid common errors but suggest improvements in your content. For example, you may have missed important points and your editor will point that out. If there are word repetitions or poor word choices, your writing coach will help you identify them so your work becomes more engaging.

· You can cater to the reader’s needs

One of the main things that get your content zero attention is failing to pique the reader’s interest.

Your main aim as a writer is to capture your audience’s attention and retain it. You want to make sure your content appeals to their needs, interests them, and keeps them coming back.

It can be difficult to identify all your audience’s needs or interests and use your content to cater to them. Especially if you are working on a long piece of writing and have to make sure you stay relevant.

That’s when an editor’s insights come in handy. Your editor will help you identify specific needs you can cater to and ensure you fine-tune your work to your audience’s needs.

You’ll be able to identify the reader’s pain points and offer solutions with your writings. This is a great way to not only attract attention but retain it. It is key to boosting engagement and increasing your readership.

· You’ll learn and constantly improve

All great authors know the power of seeking a second opinion in cultivating and improving your writing skills.

Your editor will criticize your work constructively and give you honest feedback because the work they do reflects on them.

The criticism and feedback you get are crucial to your growth. It’s how you improve and keep moving in the right direction.

Each time you receive feedback, you learn. You won’t repeat the same mistakes because you now know how to do ABC. You’ll keep advancing and perfecting your skill because you have someone to guide you along the way.

You can hire an editor on reputable freelancing sites or find a writing coach to help you on your journey.

Hiring an editor can be costly. Especially if you are only starting. So, if you can’t afford one, seek advice from people who are willing to help. People who will honestly judge your work and not fear hurting your feelings. That means people apart from your close friends and family.

The most important thing to do is seek advice from the right people because they have the power to motivate or discourage you. Make sure you show your work to someone interested in what you are doing. Someone who cares about the work you do. Someone who shows genuine interest in your writings or someone who has more experience in your niche than you.

When you receive the feedback, don’t take it personally. Don’t see it as a reflection on who you are and what you can or can’t do.

Remain professional. Consider the advice you get and implement the necessary changes. Appreciate the feedback you receive and express gratitude. Doing this shows your editor or advisor that you are willing to learn and improve. It motivates them to keep helping you on your journey and ensure you succeed.

Conclusion

Showing your work to someone else and seeking their opinion is difficult. However, it’s something you have to do if you are to grow as a writer and make your mark.

Instead of focusing on the fact that your work gets criticized, focus on the truth that you’ll produce valuable and more meaningful content. The kind that gets you the attention you need and sets you up for success.