by Charles Bobbitt

Created on: October 01, 2010   Last Updated: March 07, 2012

When you give writing advice, you help both the writer and the future readers of the article. The process goes something like this: You spot a problem – perhaps an error in grammar or in the construction of the argument – and bring this issue to the attention of the writer. You also toss in some suggestions for improvement to give the writer some direction should he need it.

The writer subsequently makes the changes, resulting in a much-improved article. He then sends you a quick note of thanks for taking the time and trouble to help him out when you could have been selfish, ignored the errors, and left him to be embarrassed by having a shoddy article in circulation with his name attached to it.

The future readers of the article would thank you, too, if only they knew that you were to thank. The fact that they don’t know doesn’t bother you, though. After all, you didn’t give the advice for the ensuing accolades. You actually prefer being an anonymous benefactor. That’s the theory.

It’s a good theory.

Unfortunately, when it comes to giving unsolicited writing advice, reality is often quite different. True, the process starts out the same:  You spot a problem, notify the writer, and give some insightful suggestions. But at this point, something goes wrong. Horribly wrong.

The writer fails to play his part. Instead of appreciating your efforts, he takes offense. He ignores your advice and willfully misses the chance to make the article better. In fact, the more apt your advice, the more likely the writer will dig his heels in and refuse to alter a single comma. Naturally, future readers will suffer accordingly.

“Why?” you ask. “What would make a writer not only refuse to remedy the deficiencies in his article, but also turn on the person who was trying to help him? It isn’t logical,” you conclude.

You are one-hundred percent correct. It isn’t logical. It is emotional.

Suppose you are walking down the street on a bright sunny day when a stranger walks up to you. “That color doesn’t suit you,” she says, pointing towards your shirt. “And those shoes you are wearing – they went out of style several years ago. Your pants are awesome, but the rest of your wardrobe is holding you back.” She then hands you a slip of paper. “I’ve made some notes for you on ways you can spruce up your wardrobe. Good luck.” With that, she turns and leaves.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>