The 70 Percent Rule
“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”
—Margaret Atwood
After I retired, I started a new chapter in my life as a writer and storyteller. Writing overwhelmed me, and I questioned if the readers would read my work. Then I recalled something I read many years ago that helped me.
“Everything in life is subjective. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. What one person considers expensive, another person considers it a bargain, and vice versa.”
The truth is that in life, there is no such thing as perfection. As a writer, I understand I will never please a hundred percent of the readers.
I confirmed my point by looking up one of my favorite authors on my go-to online bookstore.
Wow, 33,358 reviews and almost five stars. I could only dream. But a closer look at the detail section showed a different story.
My author has 1-, 2-, and 3-star ratings. The highest rating score is seventy percent. How can that be? I checked another of my favorite books by a different author.
Wow, almost 100,000 reviews, and Hollywood made a movie from this book. But the detail section was an eye-opener for me.
This author also has 1-, 2-, and 3-star ratings. The highest rating in this book is sixty-two percent. Unbelievable.
The initial intimidation factor about writing faded when I discovered that all my favorite authors have 1-, 2-, and 3-star ratings. Not one had over 85 percent in the 5-star rating row. Most of them fell into the low 70s.
Thus, my 70-percent rule.
Let me be clear. My 70-percent rule does not mean that it is my goal. It means I strive to surpass it.
Tip:
Search for your favorite books on your preferred online book stores. Read the review comments in the 1-, 2-, and 3-star ratings listing. Use that information for your writing benefit. The goal is to learn from other writers’ strengths and weaknesses.
In Summary:
Remember, everything in life is subjective. Keep my 70 percent rule in mind throughout your writing journey. Not everyone will like your work. That includes beta readers, critique partners, and editors. Do not get discouraged. Develop your writing skills, and do not give up.