The power (and the shackle) of feedback.
When you ask for somebody else’s opinion don’t begrudge the work prompted by the feedback you receive.
When you try something for the first time, you seldom have confidence in what you do. It takes time for a toddler to walk confidently. So, when I set out to create my first video using iMovie, I did not know what to do. Many trials and many errors later, I had the beginning of a complete short video (1 minute and 20 seconds).
My first reaction was very close to elation. I did it. My idea of starting a YouTube channel required at least four other videos before I opened it, but I had done my first one. Let’s open the metaphorical bottle of champagne and celebrate. It didn’t take long for doubts to creep in.
Is it good? Is there anything I can do to improve the video?
Bear in mind that when I asked for feedback, I was at my sixth iteration; part of me was already bored and eager to move to the next one. But… I also wanted quality, and I had doubts about my voiceover. So, I asked for feedback from friends and family.
The first feedback came from my friend from Los Angeles. It prompted me to tweak the open image and the final image. I went back to the way I created those images, made the changes, and then created iteration seven of the video.
I have decided to keep my Substack free. However, if you decide to support my work, you can ‘buy me a coffee’ a one-off tip by clicking on this link, or you could buy one of my books (the Amazon link is in the caption of the image at the end of this post) or keep reading my posts, it is entirely up to you.I was about to think I could store it as the first of the five YouTube videos when I got my son’s feedback. He loved it, but he suggested I redo the voiceover so the pauses would match the natural pauses in the text.
My first reaction was frustration (more iterations!). Then I started thinking about it and (1) I decided to wait until I had a couple more feedback and then try again, redoing the voiceover. Meanwhile, I started playing with the second video (an extended version of the first). It was a good decision because feedback number three arrived. This time, the suggestion was to use copyright-free music available online as a background for the voiceover. I did not like the idea, but I decided to consider a few seconds of music before I started speaking. Haven’t done it yet.
That would also help me with feedback number four; they didn’t like the few seconds of silence at the end of the video. The idea was to have the viewer scan the QR code and use it to access the Amazon page, which would facilitate their purchase of my book. (The things you do to sell books!!)
Inaction after the first feedback was a good idea, so now I need to decide what to do.
As I am a glutton for punishment, I invite you to provide feedback on the video (the revised version, following the initial feedback, is below). Please leave a comment by Sunday at noon (7:00 a.m. Eastern, 4:00 a.m. Pacific) London time if you have any suggestions.
I have been writing for over five years and publishing books for three. I am now more confident in my ability to craft a story; therefore, I am also more selective in the feedback I consider. Usually, I look at what people comment on; it's my way of differentiating between personal taste and actual issues. I usually have six beta-readers. If two or more people comment on the same thing, it’s an issue. If only one sees it, it might be a matter of personal taste. Some beta-readers are more equal than others (😇), and I always listen to what they tell me. As far as videos… I am still toddling. Therefore, I am sensitive to every comment. I am pleased to have received positive feedback, and I am taking it all into consideration. After all, they all mentioned details that would improve the overall product. However, things must be completed and brought to light. That is why I have set a deadline for any further comments.
The reaction to feedback is linked to the level of confidence you have in what you just did. The more confident you are, the more selective you will be in accepting comments. Confidence comes with time. Currently, my video-making skills are comparable to those of a toddler learning to walk. One of these days, I’ll be steady on my metaphorical feet.
Venice Gold official publication day is July 22nd
The official publication date of my third novella in the series “Rachele Modiano Mendes, the early years” will be July 22nd. It will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstone, and Kindle Unlimited.
Is Self Publishing for you? Are you an author-publisher?
The book “Strictly Self Publishing” is moving forward more slowly than I expected, maybe because it is not my main focus. Meanwhile, if you are interested in figuring out if Self-Publishing is for you, clicking on this link to download the free pdf.
I have decided to keep my Substack free. However, if you decide to support my work, you can ‘buy me a coffee’ a one-off tip by clicking on this link, or you could buy one of my books (the link is in the caption of the last image below) or keep reading my posts, it is entirely up to you.
N.B. I was not aware that Booklinker required registration. I thought it was a universal link for my books. Please accept my apologies. I hope to find another universal linker that does not require registration.
My books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waterstones, and also on KindleUnlimited. Click here for the page where each cover has the links..
N.B. - The link for Venetian Gold will be effective on July 22nd!