MANAGING FEEDBACK to IMPROVE WRITING QUALITY

By Ruth P. Saunders

Getting feedback from other writers is not enough; we must also use it productively to improve the quality of our writing. Here are some guiding thoughts to consider.

      · Share an early draft but not the first.  

Develop the piece through self-editing before sharing but not for too long. Getting input sooner moves the writing forward and reduces opportunities for attachment, which can inhibit the openness needed to manage constructive criticism.

· Separate yourself from the products you have created.

The critique applies to the piece, not the person producing it. Self-doubt predisposes us to infer what comments mean about the writer rather than about words and sentences. Seek constructive ways to increase confidence rather than pursuing “evidence” to support personal misgivings. Alternatively, feeling accomplished as a writer may incline us toward reluctance to accept criticism of new work.

· Try it all on and then take off what doesn’t fit.

Treat all criticism as valid initially—open your mind completely and try out suggestions on the page. It’s like shopping for clothes or accessories: experiment, put on something new, and take a good look in the mirror. If it doesn’t look good or feel right, take it off.

· Allow time for processing and incubating.

Grant yourself days, weeks, or months to review feedback, reflect, “try it on,” and see how it works. Some comments become clearer with repeated consideration, and others need to incubate undisturbed for periods of time. Check with trusted others about remarks you find disagreeable or unclear.

· Pay attention to patterns.

Notice similarity in feedback received from different people over time and incorporate fixes for these into your self-critiquing and self-editing process. For example, I overuse the word “that.” I search for and correct this as part of my writing process.

· Consider the source and the circumstances.

Writers vary in ability to provide constructive criticism, which is a learned skill separate from the art of composing. And accomplished critics experience transient events affecting ability to provide useful feedback on a single occasion. Remember this if you are baffled by a review.

· Strive to provide useful and empathetic comments for others.

As your ability to critique others’ writing develops, you improve at assessing and applying feedback to your own.

· Affirm yourself as a writer.

Keep a balanced focus on what succeeds as well as the problems in every piece. The goal is to strengthen your work and you control this process. And, as always, keep writing.