Embracing Feedback: A Key Component of Successful Projects

David and I were apprehensive when we submitted our initial Fish in the Desert manuscript to an editor with two decades of experience at Scholastic. As first-time children's book writers, we had no idea how it would be received and were anxious about the outcome.

We received some helpful feedback from the editor, who suggested adding narration to our story instead of just relying on dialogue. Although it meant letting go of some humorous elements and other details that we had grown attached to, we appreciated the gentle guidance.

While I found it easy to embrace the feedback and implement the required modifications, David was more protective of our initial efforts. Revising the manuscript was the most challenging part of our co-authoring experience. We struggled to compromise, and he wanted more autonomy and say in the process. I explained that we hired a professional to help us learn how to write a children's book, as we were not familiar with the book world.

I was wondering if our hopes of writing a children's book series had come to a screeching halt due to our contrasting attitudes towards receiving feedback. I was hesitant to invest in self-publishing a children's book without confidence in the quality of the end product, as it can be a costly endeavor.

Reflecting on our experience, we have come to the realization that receiving feedback and being open to constructive criticism is a crucial component of any successful project.

What are your thoughts on being open to constructive feedback for a project you've put a lot of effort into?