Journal logo

Writers, Listen to Your Feedback

Some advice for taking constructive criticism

By Ted RyanPublished 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago 4 min read
4
Writers, Listen to Your Feedback
Photo by Jodie Cook on Unsplash

I graduated from university with a First Class Degree in Screenwriting and as well as writing my own scripts and currently writing my debut novel, I have also been a freelance editor since graduating.

So it’s safe to say I have studied and worked in my craft, but I am also my biggest critic. Whether it’s during the writing process or during production, I am somewhat of a perfectionist.

However, as an editor I noticed that other writers are a bit protective when it comes to their work and I get it - your story is your baby - but I am also of the belief that editors are a great assets and can help you improve. Whether it’s a professional editor or even a trusted friend, constructive criticism is what every writer needs.

Constant Praise Doesn’t Help

As nice as it sounds, real praise is the best when it’s earned - mostly after endless rewrites. However, if your editor is giving praise from page one without pointing out tiny grammatical errors, suggestions to better the storyline or character development - this isn’t a constructive writer/editors relationship.

These constant positive vibes mainly come from family or friends who cannot be impartial. If you have someone you trust who can be totally honest in their feedback, that’s always a great place to start. However, an editor who has no personal relationship with you can read the story and characters objectively in their feedback.

By Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Criticism is NOT a Personal Attack

This tends to happen with writers who are at the beginning of their writing journey. When an editor gives a critique, some writers see this as a personal insult. Trust me: it’s not.

In many cases, the editor doesn’t know you personally to make an assumption on you as an individual based on a fiction. In reality, we’re actually trying to help the story flow better. If your editor is making suggestions on how to rewrite a scene or line of dialogue, that is something you can use and evaluate when tackling the dreaded rewriting process.

By Marco Tjokro on Unsplash

Respect the Editor’s Time

For many editors, especially those working professionally or in freelance - time is valuable. So please appreciate the fact that while they’re working on your manuscript, this is taking time away from their personal lives and even their own writing in some cases.

So always be mindful of that whenever an editor comes back with notes and feedback for you, because a lot of work goes into that.

By Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Choose Your Battles

There are times where you may disagree with your editor on what stays or goes in the final manuscript, some things you may be adamant to keep in.

Maybe a scene or character moment that seems throwaway becomes really important later on. This is where you must really make clear - to yourself and the editor - what needs to stay for the benefit of the story.

If something adds nothing to the character development or plot, then it has to go. Otherwise you may risk dragging out the story and losing emotional investment or interest from readers/viewers. However, if you’re certain of keeping something in, it’s always better to articulate that to your editor and it’s okay to lose scenes suggested for the reasons above.

By Ben White on Unsplash

Give Your Characters a Voice

As well as you’re editor, you need to think who this story is for. Are you writing a screenplay or stage production? This is where you need to possibly network with actors or collaborate with an actor you’ve worked with in the past.

Feedback from actors is always great, because like you their first and foremost concern is whether what is happening on page is authentic to the character experience. It always helps putting a voice to your character, something that works in your head doesn’t necessarily work when another person is speaking those lines aloud.

Therefore, having that collaboration and getting into the depths of your characters can really help make the character voice authentic.

By Sam Moqadam on Unsplash

Don’t Reject the Feedback

Whether you’ve been working with an editor, fellow writers, an actor or group of actors or even an impartial loved one - Do not just dismiss the feedback given to you.

This does tend to happen with some writers, but if quite a few people are saying the same thing about a scene or a character’s motivation and you are ignoring it, that only hurts your story more.

If the feedback given can improve the story, then by all means take it and write it in. The first draft is never, ever going to be the final draft. Rewrites are a must and if you are surrounded by a good group of people who are honest, their notes can always help.

By Daniel Thomas on Unsplash

Feedback is a valuable tool that should never be dismissed, because the main thing about writing is the rewriting.

advice
4

About the Creator

Ted Ryan

When I’m not reviewing or analysing pop culture, I’m writing stories of my own.

Reviewer/Screenwriter socials: Twitter.

Author socials: You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Goodreads as T.J. Ryan.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.