It’s always nerve wracking to have someone read your writing and then tell you what’s working, and what doesn’t work. Of course, we’d all love to receive high praise and gold stars. Unfortunately, that is not the way to becoming a better writer.
How to receive feedback.
Tip: Ask your critique partners to provide feedback on particular things. For example, you may say, “I don’t need a line by line edit, please, provide feedback on (fill in the blank- pacing, character arc, and a goodie, plot holes.)”
In this way, you help your critique partners to focus their efforts. Of course, it is a good idea to allow them to give you feedback on other things too. You might be wanting feedback on a particular character arc, and you’ve missed a glaring plot hole. A good critique partner would be able to point that out to you.
When receiving the feedback, take a deep breath and listen.
Tip: I take notes. This helps me focus on listening.
It’s OK to ask clarifying questions but resist the urge to argue.
In my current writers group, we provide feedback on our work in a shared google drive. We all comment on each other’s work, as well as discussing our feedback. Sometimes the conversations turn into brainstorming sessions which become particularly helpful. The point is, by having those comments in the google doc, when it’s time for me to revise those pages, I have my notes AND those comments to work through.
Tip: After receiving your feedback, do nothing.
Let the feedback sit for a day or two. Don’t do anything. Don’t panic. Don’t feel depressed. And don’t give up. Look at patterns. Are multiple people noting the same issues. Concentrate on feedback that focuses on craft, and not preferences. The goal is after all to improve one’s writing. Some things will “hit” and other things won’t. It’s OK to take the feedback that makes sense and discard the rest.
It takes courage to share your work. And it’s OK for critiques to sting, a little. That’s why I think having a sustainable writers group takes a lot of trust. And that takes time to establish.
How to give feedback.
Giving feedback can be just as nerve wracking as receiving it. Take a deep breath. You can do this.
Tip: Always ask if there is anything specific the writer requires feedback. This is a good way to start the conversation, and it helps focus your efforts.
Read the work carefully. If you haven’t been asked for line edits, don’t provide them. (Or you could provide one or two, as examples and then stop.) Take notes. Think about what works, and what doesn’t, and why.
Tip: Give examples. It’s helpful when giving a critique, to point to examples in the text.
Tip: Provide suggestions, not mandates. Your writing partners have their own vision for their work, as do you. I usually start with, “My two cents…” (Why is it always 2 cents, LOL?) Or, I might ask a clarifying question, such as, “What is your intent with such-and-such?” And then depending on the answer, it can lead into suggestions.
Tip: Don’t forget to point out what is working. (Be specific.) You might try the “compliment sandwich.” Start with the writing’s strengths, address areas for improvement, and end with encouragement. Now, when executing the compliment sandwich, please be authentic. Avoid sounding patronizing. Be genuine.
The following are big no-no’s: Don’t rewrite in your voice. Don’t nitpick grammar when bigger issues exist. No personal attacks or harsh language. Avoid vague feedback (be specific please.) No imposing your vision on their story.
I hope that these tips will help. Remember it takes courage. You can do it.
