Writers can be an egotistical bunch. I should know. I’m one of them.
It’s that ego that causes many a writer to submit work to an editor with the caveat “I’ve already received as much feedback as I would like. I only want you to look at the copy.” Perhaps the point is fair if feedback was given by another editor or critical reader, but the editor will fear that ego has arrived in her inbox. The editor may choose to take the work, but a part of her will worry that she is in for a time of treading upon eggshells.
Another evidence of ego is the writer who tries to justify the piece that has been criticized. More often than not, the justification is an excuse. It’s the non-apology apology. The writer may say she wants to be a better writer, but her ego is doing its level best to ensure she never matures.
The only option left to the writer is to decide what’s more important, her ego or her writing. If she chooses the former, she will stagnate as a writer. No editor will work with her because she believes her work is perfect. It only needs some spit and polish. She will make excuse after excuse when her writing fails to hit the mark.
If she chooses the latter, she will check her ego. She will shove it into the closet so that she can ask for criticism. She will cover its mouth with duct tape when she receives feedback. She will not make apologies or justifications; no, she will admit the valid points. She will then learn from the criticism, revise her existing work, and work to improve her writing on the next piece.
Image: Bexx Brown-Spinelli (Creative Commons)