So, you've written a book, and have farmed it out to a few elect friends you can trust to edit well and not spare your feelings. How do you politely tell other friends that you'd rather not have that many other people read it right now?
by 
darthson decries derigible destruction
ANSWERS: 5
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Pretty much like you just said it! Say that you have more than enough people doing your edits and you don't want too many different viewpoints to deal with. It would become too confusing, but say that you would be happy to have this friend as a backup editor if it should become necessary.
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I would just assure your other friends that they will get their chance once you have perfected the book. Express that only a few people were chosen to edit the book because you wish to begin revisions in a timely manner so as to make the final draft available to everyone. Personally, I would not be offended by this explanation, but it will all depend on what your friends are like. Hope it helps.
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I didnt make that many copies.
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My mom's best friend wrote a series. Her first book was published last year and the second one came out this year. She only let a select few help her with the editing. She told other people who wanted to do the same that this was just a very special project and she wanted everything to be a surprise for when they read the published version.
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I have a select number of people who read my writings. I select them for their honesty, as well as how well I know they know me. Someone telling me, "you've told some really good yarns in the past, but this one SUCKS the big one!" does me no good unless they're willing to tell me exactly where, why and how it sucks. Most people, though, are usually more tactful than that. In the same respect, others should be respectful of who you allow to read your creations. I often choose the up-front and honest way. I say, "I'm sorry, right now it's only for a few people to read. When I'm done with the editing process, I'll let you read it." This works well in several ways. It makes the question go away, and I didn't have to come across as a pompus ass.
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