Earlier this week, I wrote about handling negative feedback as a writer. In that blog, I mentioned that it’s important to make sure you’re actually getting feedback from the right people. Friends and family really aren’t the best sources of constructive criticism. Instead, you should seek feedback from fellow writers, avid readers of your genre, and paid professionals, like book editors.
If you’re still early in the writing process, you may not be ready to hire an editor, and you may not be ready to send your manuscript off to beta readers either. This is where other writers can be a valuable resource to you. Options for finding in-person writers groups in your area include meetup.com, your local library, and local activity centers. You can also look for groups online through Facebook, Reddit, and writing.com.
Keep in mind that to get feedback, you’ll also need to give feedback. So how do you ensure you’re giving helpful feedback, like the kind you want to receive in return?
Unless otherwise requested, focus on “big picture” elements
Unless your fellow writer has specifically asked you to analyze their grammar and syntax, refrain from commenting on it. Remember that this is a work in progress, and the writer has likely not edited it or had it professionally edited yet.
Usually, when a writer goes to another writer for feedback, they’re looking for “bigger picture” notes on elements like content, organization, plot, and characters.
Ensure your feedback helps achieve the writer’s vision, not yours
Every writer has their own vision for their work. Make sure the feedback you leave is intended to help the writer achieve their vision, not yours. Remember that some things are a matter of personal taste, and just because you would do something a different way, does not mean it’s the only way it can be done.
Ask the writer to clarify anything you don’t understand
The bulk of your notes will likely be related to clarity and consistency issues. Improving clarity is perhaps the most valuable outcome of the feedback process. Often, things make sense to the writer that do not make sense to readers. That’s because the writer has additional context in their mind that aids in their understanding.
Point out any areas that are unclear. Probe the writer with questions that will help them elaborate and clarify.
Explain the reasons behind your suggestions
When making suggestions for changes, be sure to explain the reason behind your suggestions. This will 1) help the writer understand how they can improve their writing in the future, and/or 2) help the writer determine whether or not to accept your suggestion.
Focus on positives, not only negatives
When giving feedback, it’s easy to only focus on areas for improvement. Try to also point out positive aspects in your peer’s writing. They will appreciate this, and you likely would appreciate it if they did the same for you.
It is just as helpful to know what is working in your writing as it is to know what’s not.
Leave marginal notes, as well as a summary
On a more technical level, where should you leave your feedback? You should leave feedback directly in the document—handwritten in the margin for print or with comment bubbles in the margins for digital.
Avoid making actual changes to the document, especially if you were given an editable digital copy, like a Google doc. If you feel it’s absolutely necessary to make a certain change, make sure you’re doing so using the “Track Changes” feature in Word or “Suggesting” mode in Google docs.
In addition to marginal notes, you should also write a brief summary of feedback, either at the top or bottom of the document or in the content of your email/message when you send your notes to the writer. Try to use the feedback sandwich method—something positive, the negatives, something positive.
As you may know, receiving feedback on your writing can be nerve-wracking. As you give feedback to other writers, consider how you would feel if you were on the receiving end. After you’ve gone through a couple rounds of feedback and revision and are ready to start working with an editor, I’ll be here.
Owner of Aha! Editorial
Let’s talk about your writing project: https://calendly.com/ashlyn-ahaeditorial
