Playing In Someone Else's Sandbox: After You've Posted

[dragonbat2006]

While fan-fiction writers do not receive monetary compensation for their work, many are happy to receive feedback on their stories. Some writers are hoping for constructive criticism, others want positive reinforcement. Some just want to know that someone read their story.

Remember

• Feedback is a privilege, not a right. Reviews are not owed to you.


• Leaving feedback for a fellow author, does not obligate them to leave feedback for you. They will if they want to, but don't expect it.


• Similarly, if a fellow author leaves feedback for you, you are not obligated to leave feedback for them. You can if you want. It's certainly a nice thing to do—particularly if you have something positive to say. But you don't have to.


• Refusing to update your story until you receive a certain amount of feedback (also known as "holding your fic hostage for reviews") is not looked upon favourably.


• There are other forms of feedback besides reviews. Do you notice that some of your older stories show an increase in reader-traffic after you post new work? It probably means that someone liked your update enough to see what else you’d written.


• Not everyone is comfortable leaving feedback. Some readers aren’t comfortable leaving a simple “I liked this!” but don’t have the time or inspiration to leave a detailed review, and so they’ll “like” or “favourite” your story and move on. It still counts!


• Fanfiction can now be downloaded onto smartphones and e-readers. This is convenient for your readers, but it makes it a bit less convenient to leave feedback. Don't assume that getting many hits and minimal feedback means that people who read your work aren't liking it.


• Not all feedback is necessarily going to be positive. Don’t let it get you down.


• You are not your story. It can be painful when someone tells you that they didn’t like your story or some aspect of it. That doesn’t mean that they think you’re a bad writer or that they want you to stop writing. If you receive negative feedback, once you get over your initial dismay, ask yourself whether the criticism may be justified. If it is, learn from it. If it isn’t, move on.


• It’s perfectly valid to state in an author-note that you don’t wish to receive critical feedback. Many people will respect your wishes. Ignore the few who won’t.


• Criticism that attacks you instead of (or in addition to) your story is considered flaming. This is a form of bullying. Don’t take it to heart. Unfortunately, some people need to tear others down to build themselves up.