Improve Your Writing: Get Feedback
June 4, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
In recent weeks, we’ve been looking at five basic ways to improve your writing. Today we’re going to find out why getting feedback from other writers and from readers is one of the most difficult but valuable ways to become a better writer. First, a quick overview of the first four posts in this series:
You can do everything on the list above but your writing will never reach its full potential if you do not embrace feedback.
Writing is often regarded as a solo pursuit. But most of us write for an audience. Once a piece of writing reaches its readers, it’s no longer a solo endeavor. It becomes interactive. It also becomes a prime target for scrutiny. That’s right, all the critics (and a whole bunch of people with big huge opinions) will pull out their scrutinizing rifles and play target practice with your work.
Sure, you can wear a bulletproof vest, develop a thick skin, and let it all roll off your shoulder. However, that’s not going to do anything for book sales, blog subscriptions, or article submissions.
Do you think the Mars company just woke up one day and decided to add a bunch of new colors to the M&Ms bag? Nope. They did tests. They checked with a small pool of consumers to see how the new colors would be received, and to make sure they tasted alright (I still think the blue ones taste funny).
If all you do is write in your journal, this might not apply to you. You can eat your own candy and refuse to share it with the world. But if you want readers, real flesh and blood readers, to embrace your work, then you should get on with the taste tests. Immediately.
Don’t hoard the candy
First, you have to start showing your writing to other human beings. These humans beings should not be your mother (yes, I know there are exceptions to the mother rule). Ideally, these people will be other writers and experienced readers. Don’t know any? Sign up for a creative writing class or join a book club. Find someone who offers critiquing services (like me).
In short, find someone who knows how to give a good critique. If you’re serious about your work, you’ll want to get opinions from people who understand the fine nuances of good writing before you wrap it up and send it off to publishers or agents.
A screenwriter once contacted me because he wanted his screenplay proofread. After going through the entire quoting process, he finally said something like, “Thanks, your prices are reasonable but I’m just not comfortable letting anyone read this screenplay. I think it could be a blockbuster and I don’t want anyone to steal it.” I issued a polite and professional response, but what I was really thinking was, “Well if nobody sees the screenplay, then your screenplay will never see the big screen.” Like I said, don’t hoard the candy and if you’re paranoid about infringement and theft, submit the piece for copyright and get on with your writing life.
These look just like those candies from the movie E.T.
M&Ms look a lot like Reese’s Pieces but they are not the same. At all. Likewise, a critique is different from a proofread. The purpose of a proofread is to fix mechanical errors with spelling, grammar, and punctuation. A critique should be designed to address strengths and weaknesses.
Are the characters believable? Is the style consistent? Does the language compel? Is it clear and easy to understand? Does it flow smoothly? Are there holes in the plot? These are the questions that a good critique asks and answers. Sure, you can ask someone who’s giving a critique to keep an eye out for grammar mistakes, but don’t serve up something half-baked.
I’ll tell you why:
Cookie dough is good but it’s not good for you
Raw cookie dough is pretty tasty. I know it puts a smile on my face. But it’s not wise to go around shoving raw material under everyone’s nose when you’re asking for a solid critique that will help you improve your writing. Work hard on your piece and get it as polished as possible before you start asking people to take a bite.
When you’re asking someone to provide you with a critique, they’ll only be distracted if the piece if full of errors and grammatical mistakes. Remember that you’re asking them to take time out of their busy lives to do you a favor, so don’t waste that time by giving them work that is in the early draft stages. This conveys that either you want them to do the work for you, or that you’re too lazy to clean up your piece before asking for feedback. Or, they’ll just assume you’re a crappy writer.
Also, the more errors there are in your piece, the more challenging it becomes to address bigger issues. If a reviewer is caught up on mistakes that you could have fixed yourself, he or she will be more likely to miss other, less noticeable mistakes and problems with your work.
So check and recheck your work, and put the cherry on top before you serve it to anyone (yes, even the taste testers).
Watch out for do-gooders
Keep in mind that some people will only tell you what you want to hear. “Mmm, this is delicious,” is flattering but it’s not the feedback you’re looking for. Especially when they’re spitting out mouthfuls of the stuff behind your back. Look for people who can offer honest and straightforward critiques, who are willing to tell you what works and what doesn’t.
This is why it’s generally not a good idea to ask your mother (or others like her) to be your critic. Mom probably thinks you’re the greatest (I know, I know, not all moms, but work with me here) so it’s unlikely she’ll tell you that your writing is broken. In fact, people like your mom may not even be able to see the flaws in your writing - they are blinded by love. So, find someone who can be objective (and yes, for a few writers out there, that will be Mom).
Give a lick
Always be gracious. I’ve been asked to proofread and offer critiques by countless individuals in my life: family, friends, co-workers, and mere acquaintances. If I give someone honest feedback and they try to argue with me or throw it back in my face because they can’t handle it, I will never, ever give them the courtesy of a critique again. I write, edit, and proofread all day, every day, and as long as I have smiling, paying customers, I do not appreciate people throwing their egos at me after I’ve done them a huge (free) favor.
I always make a point to highlight the strengths and weaknesses from a writing standpoint, and I provide a general response, from a reader’s perspective. This can be tiring and time consuming, and all I want in return is a “thank you.” Sure, I’m more than happy to engage in a discussion, but I’m the one doing the critique. Do not critique the critic people. Take their advice and move on. If you asked for a critique, then it’s your job to suck it up and deal with it.
Instead of lashing out at your critic…
Relax and digest
A lot of people have a knee jerk reaction when they receive a critique. Imagine, you’ve worked hard on a piece, editing and rewriting until you felt it was shiny, sparkling, and ready for the market. Then, someone comes along and says “This needs some work.” You’ve already done the work. You were hoping for a rave review but now this person is telling you that you’ve missed the mark. And this makes you feel like the mark (which you are of course).
After receiving a critique, let the feedback and the piece sit and marinate for a while. Sometimes you just need to let it sit overnight. Other times, it might take a few days before you’re cooled off and ready to revisit the project with a fresh perspective. In any case, take your time and don’t give up.
Don’t ever, ever give up
If writing is your passion, then never give up on it. Write, polish, and ask for feedback. Sit on it for a few days, then sift through the reviews. Decide what advice you want to take and what you want to toss (that is your right as a writer). Edit, revise, repeat. Keep at it. If writing is truly your passion, let it become a lifelong pursuit and enjoy the journey of evolving as a writer. And always strive to be the best writer you can possibly be.
Shine on my fellow writers!
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Excellent points, one and all! Is it wrong that this entry made me hungry?
Seriously though, finding a group of fellow writers who would offer regular, insightful, and thorough feedback was both one of the hardest and best things I’ve ever done. In fact, I have two levels of feedback; one is my writing parter, another budding novelist with whom I’ve been meeting weekly for over three years. She gets the front-line stuff, the raw writing I’m still wrestling with. I let her see it because we’ve built up a high level of trust with one another, and I know she’ll have something enlightening to say. Then every two weeks, I meet with my 6-person critique group for a more formal review of the polished bits.
I don’t know where I’d be without such a fantastic support structure. Probably wouldn’t be writing at all.
Bill Womack - Words for Writerss last blog post..Silence? Not always golden.
Oh gawd! Relating writing to candy and cookie dough?! My favorite things! I think I love you. No, I know I love you.
To this day, I think my mom is still my only fan.
Sweet post!
Guess what, I just made gluten-free cookie dough the other day — I got so sick!
Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywoods last blog post..What You Don’t Know About Juno
Yes, I’m getting a little hungry here, too….
–Debs last blog post..MM: Colonoscopy
Melissa
I’m stuck in a bit of a pickle. My recreational writing is really suffering.
God knows I proof-read and edit, and write, write, write. This is pretty much what my job is 38 hours a week.
But it’s all the same dry, boring bureaucratic procedural documents at work. It’s about as exciting as revising a telephone book.
The problem is, when I get home, and I want to write the creative “Fun stuff”, my writing batteries are all used up for the day.
Often, it’s an effort to sit down and write even a small comment (like what I’m doing right now).
Not sure what the solution is. I try to excercise and refresh my brain with other outdoor interests. But sometimes I feel myself burning out.
The only fix I can think of right now is to change jobs. But I’m not ready to do something that drastic yet.
How do you handle it?
Friars last blog post..Random Bear Photo
@Jaden
Hey, I’m a fan!!
Friars last blog post..Random Bear Photo
@Bill, This post is designed to appeal to your sweet tooth
Sounds like you are lucky to have found both a partner and a group with whom you can share your writing. A support system like that is a fantastic asset for any writer!
@Jaden, Hello! I too am a fan! You know that, silly girl.
@Deb (Punctuality), That’s a good sign
@Friar, Honestly, I am still learning how to balance things. Occasionally, I get super burnt out and think I cannot possibly spend another minute in front of the computer, let alone writing. It takes practice and time to build up stamina, I think.
However, it is difficult to juggle the professional writing with the creative. I don’t spend 38 hours on the business writing (billable writing hours are more like 25-30/week) but I imagine if I did, it would sort of zap some of my creativity.
As for switching jobs, I guess that depends on how much you like your current job and how serious you are about writing. That might be the answer but only you know if it’s the right move for you.
By the way, Friar, I sent you an email yesterday about comments on your blog. Just FYI.
Melissa,
Good post and hit me on a sore spot. after working for the brutal and insensitive red pen man, I have stopped asking for people’s opinions about my work and I didn’t even realize it until this post.
Thank you. Normally I would say I take feedback well, but he was like being ran over by a truck.Enough time has passed, I think I just hadn’t thought about it. This is good.
Friar, when I was working in Corporate Communications as a full time writer, I barely came home and wrote in my journal, something I have done since I was a teen. It really took all the fun out of my art. Toward the end, I found that I could get it back, but I had to remember to seperate the two things…as two entirely different skill sets.Kind of hard to explain in a comment section.- using different sides of the brain I guess, was what made it different. When I realized that, I could geet it back.
Wendi Kellys last blog post..Fountain of Beauty
Friar & Melissa — Thanks. Getting teary-eyed here.
Friar — Sounds like the job is just tiring you out. Can you negotiate for a 4-day work week or some kind of reduction to allow you creative breathing space?
I try to do busy-work jobs that allow my brain to wander, so when I get back to my personal writing time, I have lots of new ideas for my own use. I try to avoid creative jobs that require 40-60 hours week that zap me of energy and inspiration.
The writing on your blog does not reveal this struggle or fatigue. Your writing is honest, open, personal, funny, and unique!
Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywoods last blog post..What You Don’t Know About Juno
Thank you for this post. I’ve thought about taking a creative writing class for this very purpose. I’m sure that it would be valuable to pay for a professional critique once something is as polished as you can get it on your own, but it would also be nice to have a few writer friends for more regular support. Bill’s situation sounds ideal.
Greers last blog post..Black Music Month
@Melissa
I saw your email. I dunno why your comments didnt’ get through..everyone else’s did. Usually if it’s SPAM wordpress still shows me the comment, and allows me to delete it. But I havent’ seen any of yours.
@Jaden and Wendi
Thanks for the pointers, and the tips. If my writing gets more serious, I might have to consider changing my work hours (though they might not like this at the Widget Factory..we’re already under-staffed).
I like the stuff I’m writing right now, but if I had a bit more time to focus, and less burntout, I know I’d be able to do ever better!
Friars last blog post..Random Bear Photo
Your “be gracious” advice struck a chord with me. I’ve written and edited nonfiction for a living since 1983, so I’ve done plenty of free fiction and nonfiction edits or critiques for friends and acquaintances — everything from short stories to books. I love the fact that I’ve got something to offer, and I don’t mind the extra work for people who appreciate my time investment — whether they do or do not agree with my advice. The ones who find me “too busy” in the future are those who just want to argue rather than have a productive discussion about differences in opinion. I’m all about saying, “Hey, here’s my opinion for what it’s worth, since you asked; take it or leave it; I hope it’s helpful in some way.” But some people just want to be petted.
For that reason, I’d also add to your advice, “Be specific in what you’re asking your test readers to do.” Here’s an example: There’s one blog that puts out decent fiction, and several months ago the author asked, “Here’s my writing. What do you think?” I praised the work on her short story and mentioned a plot point that didn’t work for me, along with an explanation why and some suggested alternatives if she decided to make any changes. I’m pretty good at wording suggestions as just that, too. Well! You’d have thought I called her children loathsome abominations, based on the lengthy and public dressing down she posted in response. What she should have said in her initial post was, “Here’s my story. Praise me.” Or perhaps, “I just wrote this and I’m ultra-sensitive about any feedback. Please just tell me what you DO like about it.” Because that’s what she really wanted. She not only lost a critique partner that day, she lost a reader; I unsubscribed. Who needs hostile defensiveness?
Carolyn Bahms last blog post..I’m Giving Away Entrecard Credits — Get Yours!
Melissa,
Excellent points. I used to belong to a writer’s group and one of my biggest pet peeves was that people would come to group with rough drafts. I think the group leader should have empasized polished prose. But that’s in the past, and that’s how you learn.
@Friar - Creative writing isn’t always fun. You just have to show up at the page. But I understand your feelings regarding the 150 page documents you are called on to edit and insert “shalls.”
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Writing the Wild Within: Part 4 - Standing Out From the Crowd
@Wendi, This red pen man sounds pretty vicious
Sounds like you may have learned a lot even if it was harsh.
@Greer, I highly recommend taking a creative writing class, either a general class or a specialized one (poetry, fiction, etc.). That is where I gained some of my most valuable writing experiences, including feedback. Plus, it’s just fun
@Friar, I will look into why all the blogs are eating my comments. It’s really starting to annoy me. Grrr. My own blog isn’t eating my comments, so I guess I should be thankful for that! Heheh.
@Carolyn, I’ve had similar experiences with people who ask for critiques. Even with proofreading, some folks get bent out of shape if they see too much red on the page, but a grammar mistake is a grammar mistake. Most people are good about it though and I find that the complainers are few and far between.
And yes, it is good to ask a reviewer for feedback on specific aspects of a piece. That is a good suggestion, especially for more advanced writers.
@Ellen, Yes, it’s also kind of rude to ask for feedback on something that isn’t polished (for reasons already mentioned in the post). Maybe not polished to the absolute best of your ability, but it should be pretty well developed by the time you start showing it around.
@Carolyn - I just get the biggest kick out of that, “some people just want to be petted.” Ha! I think that is the first stage of writing people go through. Your skin isn’t very thick and you need a little ego boost. Then, just wait until you send your stuff out to agents. They don’t mess around with “nice.” What is it? Only 2% make the cut. Grim stats, but it makes you want to glean that cutting edge if you want to get published.
@Melissa - Exactly. You have to know what your are capable of and then push yourself. Then, let someone look with fresh eyes. We can’t see our problems like other people can. We get too attached to our work.
As you can tell I can sit around and talk about fiction all day long.
Have a good night!
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Writing the Wild Within: Part 4 - Standing Out From the Crowd
Oh, and, happy birthday!
–Debs last blog post..Once Upon a Time…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!
Now get back to work.
(Teehee… I’ll bet you are working right now.)
Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywoods last blog post..What You Don’t Know About Juno
Thanks ladies! My birthday was fun and relaxing (nope, I didn’t work at all this weekend!) Hope you are all enjoying the weekend too!
-Melissa
Test readers are an absolute lifesaver– when you can count on them to actually go through with their offers and vows that they’ll have the book done with by the end of the week.
The next best thing, before the book is finished, is to find a friend who will let you explain what isn’t working in the story. Half of the time just talking about the problem (and identifying it) is gold, and the rest of the time they can bring up pretty valid points.
Elizas last blog post..villain: tarren kanichende: introduction
Eliza, I could’t agree more. I’ve never written a book so the most I’ve asked people to read is a few pages. I would probably give readers a month or so to get back on a book (unless they were being paid!). I am wondering if a week isn’t long enough to read a book, go through and comment/critique. Depends on how busy they already are, I guess. I’m just impressed you’ve finished a whole book (or more than one?) That’s pretty cool!
Heh. I write fantasy, and the guys I know who follow the genre tend to get through novels in one or two days. They’re the ones claiming a week or so, and they’re crazy and sleep-deprived.
I’m working on book number six.
I’ve already written it once and have gotten through over half of the first rewrite; I figure that I’ll start submitting it after a few more drafts. 
Thanks!
Elizas last blog post..villain: tarren kanichende: introduction
Ha, Melissa, you’re such a hoot! These are great points! I think you’ve been hungry a lot lately, but these food-related posts are fantabulous!
Oh, and I’m trying to beat the Google Alert. I gave you a little link love today. It’s to your post about launching your freelance career.
Hope your week has started off well!
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..Freelance Writing: Sharing Our Hearts
Um, I missed your birthday? How’d that happen? Where have I been?
*hangs head*
Happy (Belated) Birthday, Melissa!
*smiles*
Michele
Just wanted to add my good wishes, Happy Happy Birthday!
Greers last blog post..Hello, Wordsworth
Happy birthday. Eating cake for you!
Wendi Kellys last blog post..A Spring Rain
@Eliza, Book number six? Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment! I will refrain from turning green with envy
Yes, it’s not hard to get through a book in a day or two (for voracious readers) but putting together the critique can take awhile. Especially if the reader gets sidetracked reading yet another book, then another…
@Michele, Thanks for the linky love! I like it a lot! Don’t hang your head for belated birthday wishes silly girl. Better late than never, right?
@Greer, Thank you so much
@Wendi, And thank you too! I’m still working on my own cake, which is a delicious lemon cake. So good. ::: smacks lips :::
You’re most welcome, Melissa! I’m so honored that you liked it! Ah, I feel much better now! Glad you had a good birthday.
*smiles*
Michele
Micheles last blog post..Freelance Writing: Sharing Our Hearts