| When I informally ask aspiring writers who they | | | | writing tends to widen the audience boundaries. If |
| prefer to review their manuscripts, answers | | | | John Q. Public is a member of your target |
| range from professors to community college | | | | audience it is best to get a range of responses to |
| instructors to writing workshop coordinators. | | | | your work. There is a large segment of the |
| These responses are fine if you are writing for an | | | | population who spend their days working in |
| audience of community college instructors, but this | | | | cubicles. How would they be impacted by your |
| scenario is in fact quite rare.I have a brother who | | | | writing? Single moms struggling with the cost of |
| is thoughtful, intelligent, pragmatic and by no | | | | daycare? Teenagers drinking cola from enormous |
| means "artsy". It is for these reasons that I value | | | | containers at the convenience store? The plumber |
| his feedback. I classify his reaction as a "real | | | | in your building or home?If any of the individuals |
| world" reaction to a manuscript. Is he bored? | | | | above are part of your intended audience, their |
| confused? lost? entertained? His feedback may | | | | opinions could be invaluable. There could also be a |
| reshape my writing.Audience obviously plays a | | | | lot to learn from their "art", be it a trade, a white |
| crucial role in writing. Any composition would | | | | collar profession, juggling an impossible budget, or |
| benefit from review by members of the intended | | | | finding rare songs on the Internet.The next time |
| audience, whether the subject be professional, | | | | you need a manuscript reviewed, show it to the |
| avocational, personal or a combination of the | | | | usual suspects. Then offer your plumber a coffee |
| above. The process could even help identify the | | | | or lunch in exchange for editorial comment. |
| true audience for which you are writing.Creative | | | | |