Should I get a friend or relative to proofread or edit my novel?

Should I get a friend or relative to proofread or edit my novel?

Russell Celyn Jones (Published writer. Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the MA Programme at Birkbeck College (University of London).) gives expert video advice on: How can I tell if my novel is any good?; Why does my work need to be edited?; Can I edit my own novel? and more...

I would never get a relative to proofread or edit my work because I think they're likely to be too kind. You need someone quite ruthless. You must expect to be criticized and to take it in the spirit of the thing. Friends are good to read your books if they have some experience in reading and, well principally reading. If they are good readers they are likely to be able to help you. Sometimes their comments can be basic, "I don't like this character" or "I do like this character", but that's sometimes good.