Writers are sensitive folks, and I certainly don't mean that to be a bad thing. After all, we are creatives, and what we write—a novel, magazine article, blog post, etc.—has a piece of us in it. It's our baby ... so, yes, we tend to get "all up in our feels" if someone doesn't like what we wrote. Even constructive feedback from our favorite editor can send us into a tizzy.
So, that begs the question, how can you give constructive feedback without crushing a writer's soul or making them want to throw their laptop out the window? Here are a few tips from a writer who has also been in your shoes as an editor.
Constructive Feedback Makes Writers Better!
Don't be mean — This isn't your platform to say things like, "This sucks" or "I expected more from you." Your goal is to constructively offer insight and solutions on what you read to help make their writing more effective. For instance, say "This section could be clearer if you tightened up the wording" versus "This doesn't make sense at all." Don't get me wrong ... you should be honest. Just don't be so brutal about it.
Start with the positives — When I'm asked to edit anything for a fellow writer or client, my feedback ALWAYS starts with something positive rather than leaping straight into all the things that need to be fixed. For instance, what I enjoyed about how they set up a scene, their well-timed humor, or a specific word choice. Furthermore, my positive messages are genuine. I'm not just blowing smoke.
Be specific — Don't just say, "This needs work," or "This part is confusing and potentially offensive." Explain why, what it currently sounds like to you as a reader, and how you suggest they go about making it better for a final draft.
Use the critique sandwich method — A general rule of thumb is to start with a positive, put a few critiques in the middle, and then follow up again with another encouraging note. Not everyone likes this method because they think the writer might see your strategy as insincere and immediately brace for criticism as soon as they hear a compliment. While I see their point, I don't think this is an issue if you are being genuine in your approach.
Don't rewrite their work (unless they ask or it's required) — Unless you're the editor and need to make sweeping changes quickly for a deadline, your job is to provide constructive criticism and guide the writer toward a solution. If you do need to make changes, share those edits and be prepared to explain why you made them.
Remind them that this is part of the process — No one expects an initial manuscript or version of an article to be perfect. Even the best writers go through numerous drafts to get to a final version they and their critics can be proud of. Constructive feedback isn't a failure. It's merely part of the process.
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STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also a consultant, writing coach, and the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.Â