Receiving feedback is an essential part of a writer’s journey, especially for beginners. Feedback helps you identify your strengths, uncover areas for improvement, and refine your skills. However, it can also be intimidating and emotional. Learning how to process and apply feedback constructively is key to growing as a writer.
This guide provides actionable tips for handling feedback and turning it into a tool for growth.
1. Approach Feedback with an Open Mind
Feedback is an opportunity to learn, not a personal judgment.
How to Stay Open:
- Remind yourself that feedback is about your writing, not your worth as a writer.
- Listen or read feedback without interrupting or immediately reacting.
- Take a moment to breathe and reflect before responding.
Mantra: “Every piece of feedback is a step toward improvement.”
2. Separate Emotions from Critique
It’s natural to feel vulnerable when sharing your work, but separating emotions from feedback helps you process it more effectively.
Tips for Managing Emotions:
- Acknowledge your feelings but focus on the critique’s content.
- Avoid taking negative comments personally—most feedback is meant to help, not hurt.
- If feedback feels overwhelming, take a break before revisiting it.
Tip: Treat feedback as a learning experience rather than a critique of your talent.
3. Understand the Feedback
Clarify feedback to ensure you fully understand the suggestions.
How to Clarify:
- Ask follow-up questions to pinpoint specifics.
- Example: “Can you elaborate on why the pacing felt slow in this chapter?”
- Request examples or comparisons to understand the reviewer’s perspective.
- Paraphrase the feedback to confirm your interpretation.
Tip: Constructive conversations about feedback often lead to deeper insights.
4. Identify Patterns in Feedback
If you receive feedback from multiple sources, look for recurring themes.
How to Spot Patterns:
- Compare critiques from different readers or editors.
- Prioritize feedback that aligns with your writing goals.
- Ignore outliers that don’t resonate unless they offer unique insight.
Example: If three reviewers mention weak dialogue, focus on improving it in revisions.
5. Balance Feedback with Your Vision
While feedback is valuable, staying true to your creative vision is equally important.
How to Maintain Balance:
- Accept suggestions that enhance your work without compromising your style.
- Trust your instincts if certain feedback doesn’t align with your goals.
- Remember, you are the final decision-maker for your work.
Mantra: “I value feedback, but my voice matters too.”
6. Apply Feedback Thoughtfully
Feedback is most effective when used to guide intentional revisions.
Steps to Apply Feedback:
- Organize feedback into actionable categories (e.g., plot, characters, dialogue).
- Prioritize changes that address critical issues first.
- Experiment with suggested edits to see how they affect your work.
Tip: Create a checklist to track revisions based on feedback.
7. Learn to Differentiate Constructive Feedback from Unhelpful Criticism
Not all feedback is useful or constructive.
What to Look for in Constructive Feedback:
- Specific suggestions rather than vague opinions.
- Constructive: “The dialogue feels stilted; try making it more conversational.”
- Unhelpful: “I didn’t like it.”
- Feedback that focuses on improving the writing, not tearing it down.
- Comments that align with the intended audience and purpose of your work.
Tip: Disregard criticism that’s overly negative or lacks actionable advice.
8. Express Gratitude
Thanking those who provide feedback fosters positive relationships and shows professionalism.
How to Show Appreciation:
- A simple “Thank you for taking the time to review my work” goes a long way.
- Mention specific aspects of the feedback you found helpful.
- Stay polite, even if you disagree with their critique.
Example: “I appreciate your notes on the pacing—it’s something I’ll focus on in my revisions.”
9. Use Feedback to Set Goals
Feedback can guide your development as a writer.
How to Use Feedback for Growth:
- Identify recurring weaknesses and focus on improving them.
- Take workshops or read resources on areas needing improvement.
- Set specific goals for your next piece based on past feedback.
Example: “I’ll work on adding more vivid descriptions in my next draft.”
10. Celebrate Your Progress
Feedback highlights areas for improvement, but it’s also important to recognize your strengths.
How to Celebrate Success:
- Reflect on positive comments to build confidence.
- Compare earlier drafts to recent ones to see how you’ve grown.
- Keep a folder of encouraging feedback to revisit during tough times.
Mantra: “Every draft is better than the last because I’m always learning.”
Feedback is an invaluable tool for growth, but it’s up to you to decide how to use it. By approaching critiques with an open mind, maintaining your creative vision, and applying feedback thoughtfully, you can transform your writing and reach new heights.
Remember, even the best writers started as beginners—embrace the process, and let feedback guide you toward your goals.
I’m Mariana Tavares, creator of a blog dedicated to helping beginner writers with practical and valuable tips to develop their skills and achieve success in their careers.