Understanding Your Writing: A Guide to Assessment

Assessing the quality of your writing can often feel like a daunting task. Many writers wonder if their work measures up to the standards of published authors or critical acclaim. Here are some steps and tips that can help you evaluate your writing effectively.

The Journey of Writing

Before diving into the specifics of assessing your writing, it's important to recognize that writing is a journey of growth. Just like any other skill, writing improves over time through practice and dedication. In the journey, sometimes you might cringe as you revisit old work, indicating progress has been made. Keep practicing, as the journey itself is more important than reaching the destination.

Embrace feedback, seek inspiration from great authors, and explore different styles. Read widely, write consistently, and don't be afraid to experiment. Over time, you will refine your voice and find your unique expression. Remember, if you like it, that's all that matters. Write for yourself first, and if others appreciate it, that’s a bonus.

Using Critiques Effectively

One of the most effective ways to assess your writing is by getting feedback from other writers. However, it's crucial to remember that other writers and even your mother might not always provide accurate assessments. In the world of publishing, publishers and agents are primarily self-serving and may not care about your work unless they see potential financial value. This is exemplified by J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series was rejected numerous times before being published.

So, maintain confidence in your work until you manage to get it published. If you receive critique, ensure you evaluate it critically. Good feedback should give you specific, technical insights into what works and what needs improvement. On the other hand, praise you receive from relatives or close friends can be more subjective and less reliable.

Evaluating Poetry and Prose

For poetry specifically, performing it aloud, preferably from memory, is a valuable technique. After delivering the poem, ask for feedback from your audience and listen to their critical advice. Take notes on their responses, as this can help you understand what resonates or falls flat with others. Over time, you will learn to distinguish between flattery and genuine criticism.

Even very good writers have self-doubts. Reader feedback is essential to gauge whether your work appeals to a segment of the reading audience. Sales figures can also provide insights into whether your work is good enough for the market. Editors might comment on your writing ability, but often, their feedback is more about the marketability of your work than the quality itself.

Selecting Reliable Feedback Sources

To get the most reliable feedback, consider selecting strangers to read your work. Enter writing contests, or pay for critiques from respected sources. This allows you to receive unbiased, professional input that can help you improve and refine your writing.

Remember, the process of assessing your writing is a personal journey. Trust your instincts, seek valuable feedback, and keep writing. In the end, if you believe in your work, that's a significant achievement in itself.