Using Constructive Criticism
How You Receive ConCrit Affects Your Writing and Publishing Chances
One of the most overlooked yet vital skills for a writer is the ability to receive advice for improvement - and follow it, without losing the soul of his or her writing.
It is almost impossible for a writer to be both author and editor to his or her own work. Every author can use an extra set of eyes to help spot oversights and inconsistencies in writing, or to question assumptions that might be taken for granted. Only by having someone – or several someones – read your work can you know how your story, essay or lyrics actually come across to a reader other than yourself.
Why is Listening to Constructive Criticism Important?
It is only with the feedback and support of others that most writers learn to fully develop their talents. Many writers find that receiving feedback from an editor or a trusted friend is an integral part of the writing process, without which their work could never grow beyond a certain (incomplete) point.
Receiving ConCrit
There are two parts to receiving ConCrit: first, listening openly to everything that is being said, and then asking for clarification on anything you might not have understood.
Sometimes discussion of your editor’s remarks may be helpful, but remember that the purpose of discussion is not to convince your friend of your point of view; it’s for you to learn how to improve the clarity and impact of your writing.
Receiving ConCrit can be difficult for writers at all levels of experience. The following are a few approaches that make the process easier and much more productive.
1. Keep Quiet
It can be very tempting to want to jump in and defend your characterization, or explain the way you set up a particular plot point, but whatever you do – DON’T!
The point of ConCrit is for your reviewer to tell you what they think of your writing. Interrupting your friend or trying to change her mind while she’s giving you her honest thoughts only sabotages the chance to improve your work.
Instead, allow your reader or readers to talk themselves hoarse if they want to. Take scrupulous notes on everything they say, jotting down your own reactions. But never interrupt or challenge your editors until they have said everything they want to say.
2. Stay Open
If you are like 99.9% of writers, your first reaction to criticism will probably be to reject it out of hand. Again, hold off on responding to comments at first. When you do, try to keep an open mind.
Ask your editor why he disliked your protagonist, or how he suggests you improve the scenes he found unreadable. Take notes.
Later, these notes will be invaluable in summarizing your editor’s feedback and considering everything that he or she said.
3. Stay True to Yourself, Your Character, and Your Story
Although constructive criticism is important, you are the ultimate authority on your writing.
If you think the climactic fight has to happen in a completely implausible way, and your artistic integrity won’t let you change it, then find a way to keep it without losing readers like your helpful editor. Is there some way to take the editor’s advice into consideration without losing the truth of your story?
This is the vital middle ground of good editing: crafting a compromise between your intent and your reader’s needs, without compromising your writing.
See also: How to Give Constructive Criticism
