Giving and Receiving Feedback
On Writing
My own writing has improved, in my opinion, by leaps and bounds over the last year or so. Why is that? My theory is that it has a lot to do with the critiquing of work that I’ve both given and received.
As a reader, I don’t feel qualified to give a really harsh, in-depth critique, but I can say generally how I feel about a written work and what spoke to me personally. For myself, I get a grasp of what works and what doesn’t for my own writing. This is also for personal gain. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.
As a writer, I do like to know whether or not a piece I wrote resonated with a reader and possibly why or why not? I may ask for clarification or further discussion upon consideration, or I may just feel encouraged by a couple of motivating words, such as "Nice job!”
I know that not every piece of work I share is super, and much is downright dismal. My main goal as a writer is to improve my writing in order to best connect with readers, and the most effective way I have found to do that is to read analytically and to contemplate critique of my own work with an open mind.
As A Reader - Giving Feedback
1. Keep it Positive, unless asked
When you read a piece and it speaks to you, let the author know that! If you don’t like it, unless they’ve specifically asked for an in-depth critique, keep it to yourself. If your criticism isn’t asked for, it isn’t helpful. An author of a work usually likes to know if a particular piece they’ve worked on connected with the reader.
2. Learn from the content
As a reader of a piece, whether you like the work or not, you can use it as a learning opportunity to improve your own work or understanding. You can look for what works for you, what doesn’t, and why or why not?
3. Respect the Author’s efforts
It takes some kind of bravery for a writer to share their work publicly. It’s not up to you, the reader, to decide if a work is overall bad. You may not like it, but that’s personal opinion. Someone else may find it incredible. Read it, learn from it and offer the author a statement of positivity! Unless asked otherwise, you’re open criticism is probably not welcome. You’re appreciation for the author’s efforts is.
As A Writer - Receiving Feedback
1. Don’t take it Personally
As an author, if you are brave enough to put your work “out there,” you’re going to get unsolicited criticism. Some people will like your work, some will not and some will be quite vocal about it either way. It’s up to you to decide whether or not their opinions mean anything to you.
2. It’s your Choice
As the writer, it’s always your choice to accept the given advice for changing your story or not. Does it make sense to you? Maybe it’s something to keep in mind for future work. Is the advice completely irrelevant? Discard it. You’re the author. It’s up to you.
3. Be Gracious
Especially when you, as the writer, ask for feedback. You’re obligated to consider it, but not obligated to accept it, of course. Instead of getting defensive or snide, maybe look at your work from a different perspective, take the time to decide the relevance of the critique to you, then thank the reader for giving you their own time and contemplation.
Thank you for reading! What do you have to add about feedback? How do you find it helpful?
About the Creator
KJ Aartila
A writer of words in northern WI with a small family and a large menagerie.
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Comments (34)
I appreciate genuine feedback. To a degree, I even appreciate general comments as it suggests that the person took the time to read it. Again, sage counsel, good article.
I wish it was easier to actually get feedback! I've posted three stories and only one of them has gotten ANY reads so far (It has 2 reads). Clearly I need to improve, but it's hard to know what the problem is when I don't have any negative feedback. (I DO really appreciate the 2 comments I have gotten that were both super positive! They were so encouraging <3. I just wish I had more reads and more comments (even critical ones) overall, because it would make it clearer how I could improve.) And I guess the limitations of Vocal's analytics are also making it hard to tell what my problem is. Like, is it that my titles and thumbnails are unappealing -> I don't get any clicks? Or is it that my actual writing is bad in some way -> people click off the story quickly after starting it and it doesn't count as a read? My general plan is to just keep posting stories and hopefully gain some traction eventually, but I do wish I knew how to be more strategic about it.
You have a great perspective. Thanks for sharing!
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thank you for this, appreciated the give & take perspective
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The art of conversation is difficult
I agree wholeheartedly that feedback is key to improving one's work. I actually don't mind negative as well as positive feedback. If there is something in there that I can use to make my work better, I feel that the feedback is worthwhile. However, in no case do I take any feedback personally
Think those are solid guidelines.
Solid writing here Keila!
I love constructive criticism as long as it is not used as a weapon to wound others emotionally. Good criticism is a damn good thing. We all need it.
I agree with your advice. However, I would add the importance of being specific. I wrote an article about giving constructive criticism. In it, I said that giving broad generalizations, such as Good Job, or Keep up the Good Work was useless. A useful critique will give suggestions as to how specific phrases, paragraphs, or words can be changed to improve the work. That method works best to help me when I ask for feedback on something I have written.
Your writing advice makes me really think on the common sense of reading and writing. People have senses and opinions, rarely is it commonly shared.
I love your power of words. I can feel the calmness generated by you while writing this piece. Keep doing a great job.
Your open criticism is probably not welcome. Many writers worry too much about criticism. That will helps to scar your creative imagination. Do your best. Be your best.
you can use it as a learning opportunity to improve your own work or understanding. I agree. Learning mode is never off for me.
If your criticism isn’t asked for, it isn’t helpful. I don't mind the criticism, good or bad. I learn more about myself and my readers.
I know that not every piece of work I share is super, and much is downright dismal. Write with confidence; readers will tell you what they think anyway. I write for myself and others. Not others alone.
As a reader, I don’t feel qualified to give a really harsh, in-depth critique, I agree with you. I put myself in the writer's shoes, mind, soul, and heart. Then dive into his/her power of words. Then I give what I want with a conscience and understanding.
Good Job, I love your articles
This will be a good "go read it again" for me!
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I love this
I think there are different ways to critic someones work. Sometimes I woud love to get more critics especially when I ask for. But a lot of people I ask to proofread my writing always just say it is good (probably to just not hurt any of my feelings)
Great update. thanks