It doesn’t matter if you’re an editor, beta reader or simply taking part in a creative writing workshop, feedback is an important part of the writing process. It’s essential that you know the best way in which to deliver it so you don’t discourage the writer from continuing with their project.
We’ve developed some tips to help you give feedback in a constructive manner that makes the writer feel both supported and encouraged.
There’s a person behind the words
Remember that with each and every submission that you receive, someone has poured their heart and soul into that piece of work. Sharing your writing with other people is allowing yourself to be vulnerable and it takes immense courage to do so.
You may not be privy to the private lives of your writers, but they could be going through something at home that may be affect the way they perceive your feedback. It doesn’t harm to be kind with your words to prevent a misunderstanding.
Details, details, details
The feedback you’re giving should be as detailed as possible. If there’s something you really like about the manuscript, think about what that is and how the writer achieved it. Apply the same concept to what doesn’t work. If something turns you off consider why. The whole point in exchanging feedback is to get an alternative perspective on your writing, and the more information you can give the writer, the more helpful you are being.
Practice kindness
It doesn’t matter how poor you feel the work you are reviewing may be, it’s imperative to make sure you don’t respond rudely. This means with condescension or non- constructive feedback. If you feel yourself overexplaining your point, take a second to reflect on why you feel so strongly. Are you using this as a way to prove a point or are you genuinely being helpful?
Review your feedback
Before you dispense your feedback it’s important to give it a read over. You want to ensure that your critique makes sense to the writer, that it’s easy to understand. At the end of the day you are trying to help them make progress with their project and encouraging constructive feedback is the best way to do it.
We’ll soon be hosting a weekly Wednesday Workshop where you cans submit up to 500 words of your own writing for feedback from other writers. To participate you must also be able to provide feedback on another writer’s work.