Confidence - the flag everyone can wave-r

Flagging confidence is the great enemy of the new author. How does one combat it? Apparently, the adoration of one's thoroughly smitten spouse doesn't quite quench doubts regarding the quality of one's book. :)

We all ask friends and family to proof read for us, but honestly, who has time for that? I mean, there's work, and then you have to spend time at home with your own family, and then squeeze in a little time for yourself... We do understand that, but if not friends and family, then whom do you ask?

I have several friends who read.  Most are pretty picky about genre.  Several have promised to read over the ms and give feedback, but they can't finish the four books they are already reading (each), and it's impossible to escape the pervasive attitude that this isn't really a book yet, anyway.  I don't blame them.  I just wish they'd say no, rather than leave us waiting for feedback that never comes.

We formed a critique group, but the genre interests were so diverse that it was difficult to get relevant commentary, even from diligent and well-meaning peers.  I confess, though I tried very hard, it was difficult to squeeze in time for me to read everyone else's work and give it the thorough raking over the coals that each wanted and deserved.  I was perversely flattered when one respected compatriot told me he hated me for a few days afterward, but then used some of my suggestions.  I felt I'd done my job, the hard task of telling someone the worst news. I happen to like his work a lot, but as a critic my job isn't to pat him on the back and offer blandishments, and likewise I truly appreciated every time he looked at some convoluted paragraph of my own work and told me he had no idea what I was talking about.

It really helps to get constructive criticism, but it's hard.  Bree says "our families are as supportive as a double-A bra." My family aren't voracious readers of fiction, so we haven't bothered them with it.  Hers want to wait till it has an ISBN. We shrug.

Currently we're working on getting dedicated proofreaders at http://critters.org/ where members are actively seeking works to critique, and are accustomed to reading fantasy, sci-fi and horror.  Friends and family have something invested in our emotional well-being. Critters, as critters.org folk are called, can only react to what's on the page. That's ideal.