Top Tips – A Writer’s Guide
One of the most important skills to learn as a new writer is the art of constructive criticism. Both how to give it and how to receive it. This industry won’t go easy on you; at each and every stage of the process, you will be expected to take on board the opinions of others. Learning how to do this is an art – but knowing how to give this feedback is essential.
Critiquing is a skill. Not everyone will be naturally good at it, but it’s something I’m convinced you can learn. There’s an art to offering feedback that nurtures rather than destroys.
As writers, we know all too well the immense power our words hold – your opinions hold the power to crush a creative spirit or help it soar. It’s up to you to make sure you do the former in the most constructive way possible.
I learned this lesson the hard way years ago during a writing workshop that nearly broke my confidence. I watched as a member of our writing circle critiqued a friend’s work so harshly that she considered giving up entirely. As a journalist, I was so thick-skinned already that I was able to hear critique and compartmentalise. What I hadn’t realised until then was that as emerging writers, most people are never taught how to give feedback. Instead, most turn to writing groups and simply offer their own personal opinions without understanding the impact their opinions can have.
On that day, listening to the words being hurled at my friend, I noted a few of the issues raised and found a way to express this to her later in a way that felt helpful rather than destructive. I delivered the same notes but with compassion and understanding, as well as a few tips and questions to help my friend find the lessons under the nasty words.
So – in this article, I want to focus on giving feedback. How do you do it? Why do your words matter? How do you ensure you are helping rather than hindering the progress of those around you?
Understanding the Weight of Your Words
The first thing to remember is that every single word you read from another writer, no matter how accomplished you believe the work to be, has been poured over and agonised over by the author. They have handed you their heard on a plate, left themselves open to criticism and are currently in the most vulnerable state a writer can be in. So, BE KIND. ALWAYS.
This writer has chosen to share a part of their world with you. BE RESPECTFUL.
This writer may have given hours, weeks, months or even years to this piece of work. BE PATIENT. How you respond to them could make or break them, so understand the power that your words carry.
The Emotional Mechanics of Feedback
When we offer feedback, we’re doing something far more important than editing or commenting on text. We’re acknowledging a deeply personal act of creation. Every draft represents hours of wrestling with self-doubt, translating complicated emotions into something tangible.
Think about your own writing journey. Remember those moments when sharing a piece felt like standing naked in a room full of people? We all experience it at some point, so remember this.
Our job as fellow writers is to:
- Recognise the emotional investment behind every draft
- Offer insights that highlight potential
- Create a safe space for writers to feel understood and comfortable enough to learn
Don’t get me wrong; critiquing work is not about being gentle. It’s about being genuinely supportive in a kind and constructive manner. No writer wants to be pandered to; they have their friends and family for that – your job is to be honest in a constructive and kind manner.
Constructive Feedback: A Basic How To
The 3:1 Ratio Rule / The Sh*t Sandwich
It’s far too easy for those who are not used to giving feedback to slip down the negativity pole of doom. It’s easy to find something you don’t like and badger the writer until they agree to fix their story in a way that fits your expectations.
Please. Don’t. Do. This
Instead – opt for either the 3:1 rule, or the Sh*t Sandwich.
3:1 — For every critical observation, offer three positive insights. This isn’t about sugar-coating – it’s about creating balance.
Sh*t Sandwich — Start with a positive remark before pointing out an area of concern, then end with a positive remark.
Be Specific
It might sound obvious, but it needs to be said – Telling someone you don’t like something without explaining why… is, in fact, not helpful.
Avoid: “This doesn’t work.”
Instead, try: “I’m not sure I believe the character here. In this paragraph, the dialogue feels out of step with the character’s emotional state. What is the emotion you wanted us to feel from this dialogue?” – Explaining why you feel a disconnect and then asking a question of the author allows them to not only explain what they were trying to achieve but also forces the author to consider what it was they were trying to do and talk through ways to achieve this better.
Positive Language
Helpful Phrases:
- “I’m wondering what you meant here…”
- “The emotion this chapter is giving me is… was that intended?”
- “I’m curious about the choice to… can you explain?”
Phrases to Avoid:
- “You should…”
- “This is wrong…”
- “I would have written it differently…”
Remember that it is your job as a critique partner to help the author ask questions of themselves to improve their own work rather than tell them how you would have written it yourself.
Practical Feedback Techniques
- Listen First!
Before offering feedback, ensure you’ve fully understood the writer’s intent. Ask clarifying questions about their goals for the piece. - Consider Context
Always take into consideration the stage at which the writing is currently at. Correcting grammar or spelling mistakes is not helpful if the author is at the first draft stage. Feedback for a first draft differs dramatically from feedback on a polished manuscript. - Separate the Work from the Writer
Always frame feedback about the writing, never about the writer’s capabilities. Feedback should never attack the writer personally.
Red Flags in Feedback
What Crosses the Line
- Personal attacks are never acceptable.
- Projecting your writing style onto another’s work is a big no-no. It’s not your book, idea, or place to change an author’s vision.
- Dismissing the writer’s unique voice is absolutely forbidden. Voice is personal and subjective.
- Try not to overwhelm with too many suggestions. Too many suggestions all at once may send an author into a depression spiral. Instead, group your concerns to make them easier to digest.
The Deeper Purpose of Feedback
Ultimately, constructive feedback should be a positive and helpful experience. We’re not just critiquing – we’re supporting, nurturing, and celebrating each other’s success. Writing is HARD. Don’t make it more painful. Support, encourage and embrace difference.
To every writer offering feedback: You are a guardian of creative spirits. Your words can wound or heal. Please choose wisely.
