How to Give Constructive Feedback and Improve the Art of Critique

So, imagine this: your friend, writing buddy, or maybe even a stranger has handed you their novel-in-progress, seeking your fabulous feedback. But how do you tackle this delicate task without accidentally squishing their creative spirit?

Let me spill the beans on what my awesome writing group, the Word Wenches, does every week. We gather, we share our creations, and we sprinkle each other with helpful feedback magic. This week, I played scientist and observed how we did it. So, in this blog post, let's chat about ways to provide feedback that not only supports the writer but also nurtures the growth of their novel.

Confirm what kind of feedback is sought

Before you dive in, figure out why the writer asked for your input. If you're not sure, just ask them! It's like decoding a secret message – find out if they want proofreading or if they're just fishing for a bit of praise. Before we formed the Wenches, we talked about the kind of feedback we wanted to give/receive.

Start with positives

Begin your feedback on a high note. Shine a spotlight on the aspects of the novel that make you go "wow!" Whether it's a sassy character, a plot twist that knocked your socks off, or a setting that's practically a character itself – celebrating the strengths sets a positive tone.

Be specific and concrete

Vague feedback is like trying to solve a riddle without any clues. Instead of saying, "I didn't like it," get specific. Pinpoint scenes, dialogues, or character arcs that didn't quite hit the mark. Concrete examples help the writer understand your vibe and know where to sprinkle their creative magic. In Wenches meetings, we'll even point to a specific paragraph that tripped us up when reading the work-in-progress and explain why.

Be selective

No need to drop a novel of feedback on the writer. Pick the top 3-5 things that will make the most impact. It's like a highlight reel for improvement. Getting too much feedback can be overwhelming. Imagine if someone gave you a 10 page report of all the things wrong with your manuscript. It would be hard to know where to start with the feedback!

Balance critique with encouragement

While constructive criticism is a must, sprinkle it with a bit of encouragement confetti. Writing a novel is a massive undertaking, and acknowledging the effort involved can boost the writer's spirit.

Consider the author's intent

Before you dive into feedback, take a minute to think about what the author is aiming for. What's the vibe they're going for? If you're not sure, just ask. Understanding their goals guides your feedback in a way that aligns with their creative vision.

In our Wenches meetings, we're all at different stages in our creative work. Some of us are working on a first draft while others are revising their work for the sixth or seventh time. The feedback we provide on a first draft focuses on big story elements: Is the pacing okay? Are the characters developed enough? Does the world building make sense? Feedback on draft #99, we focus on helping the author finesse and smooth out their work, pointing out the little things, small tweaks, etc.

Recognize that every author's style is unique

We all have our own groove. Make sure you're not trying to turn their jazz into classical – respect the uniqueness of their style and voice.

Understand that your feedback is optional

You've poured your heart into detailed feedback, but what if the writer decides not to use it? It's cool! There are plenty of reasons – maybe they got conflicting feedback, your suggestions sparked a different idea, or they just need time to marinate in their creativity.

Highlight opportunities for growth

Instead of pointing out flaws, talk about growth opportunities. Whether it's beefing up character development, fine-tuning pacing, or polishing prose – frame your suggestions as ways to enhance the novel. It's a collaboration, not a critique!

Provide actionable suggestions

Make your feedback helpful by offering actionable suggestions. Instead of saying, "This character is unlikable," throw in some ideas like, "Could we show their sense of humor/kindness/thoughtfulness in this scene?" Concrete suggestions make the writer's job easier.

Be mindful of tone

The tone of your feedback matters. Aim for a mix of respect and encouragement. Your suggestions are there to boost the novel, not break the writer's spirit. Remember, we're building each other up, not tearing each other down.

Providing feedback on a novel is like orchestrating a symphony – it's an art that requires a balance of sensitivity and constructive insight. Remember that your feedback is a gift aimed at nurturing the growth of their creative work. Celebrate strengths, offer specific suggestions, and contribute to the evolution of a novel that the writer can be proud of.

Happy reading and happy writing! 📚🌟