Feedback is Essential
It’s true—writing is often a solitary endeavor. But once you’ve poured your heart, soul, and time into a manuscript, that’s where the collaborative part of the process begins. This is when the work of polishing, revising, and, yes, receiving feedback becomes crucial.
I just shared a writing update where I talked about some of the reasons I love getting feedback, and how I’m doing that right now on two of my projects, but I wanted to dedicate an entire post to why I believe it’s an essential part of the writing process.
Don’t get me wrong, getting critique can be a tough pill to swallow. No matter how long you've been writing or how thick you think your skin is, there’s always a sting when someone points out a flaw in something you've worked so hard on. It’s natural to feel a bit protective over our creative projects. After all, they’re like our babies! We’ve nurtured them from a single idea, fed them with our words, and watched them grow into something we’re proud of. So when someone comes along and says, “Hey, this part isn’t working,” or “I didn’t really connect with this character,” it can feel like a personal attack, even when it’s meant to help.
For this reason alone, publication isn’t for everyone. That may be a harsh statement, but I’ve found it to be true. Not everyone is able to endure the criticism, and when that happens I’ve seen far too many wonderful writers buckle under it. They lose their passion and creativity. They become so focused on “fixing things” that they lose sight of why the love writing in the first place. So for lots of people, keeping writing as a creative passion might be the right way to go. But if you’re like me and your dream is to see your stories out in the world, we’ve got to find ways to welcome the constructive criticism and use it to grow as writers. So let’s look at common reasons that’s not as easy as it sounds, and then talk about some ways we can make it easier on ourselves.
Why is it so hard?
One reason why receiving critique can be so hard is that, as writers, we pour our emotions, experiences, and imaginations into our work. We’re often writing from a place of vulnerability, whether we realize it or not. When someone critiques our writing, it can feel like they’re critiquing us as people, not just the words on the page. That’s why it’s so important to remember that feedback isn’t about tearing you down; it’s about building your work up to be the best it can be.
Another reason critique can be challenging is because we’re so close to our work. After spending months or even years on a project, it can be nearly impossible to see it objectively. We know our characters inside and out, understand all the subtext, and can visualize every scene perfectly in our minds. But that doesn’t always translate to the page. Sometimes, what’s crystal clear to us might be confusing or lackluster to someone else. That’s where feedback becomes invaluable.
It’s worth noting…
Not all critique is created equal. Some feedback might resonate with you immediately, while other points might not sit right. It’s okay to trust your instincts and filter through the feedback you receive. The goal isn’t to change everything someone suggests but to consider different perspectives and see how they align with your vision for the story. At the end of the day, it’s still your work, and you get to decide what stays and what goes.
So, why is it important to be open to feedback?
The benefits are numerous, and they’re all geared toward helping us grow as writers.
First and foremost, feedback helps us see our work from a fresh perspective. It can be hard to step back and view our manuscript with fresh eyes, but feedback from others allows us to do just that, if we let it. It shines a light on areas that might be weak, confusing, or underdeveloped—things we might not have noticed because we’re too close to the material.
Feedback also helps us identify our blind spots. We all have them—those little quirks or habits that slip into our writing without us realizing it. Maybe you rely too heavily on certain phrases, or perhaps your pacing tends to lag in the middle. For me, it’s filter words. A good critique will point out these patterns, giving you the opportunity to address them and improve your writing overall.
Another key benefit of receiving feedback is that it can validate the strengths in our work. Often, writers are our own worst critics. We focus so much on what’s wrong with our writing that we forget to celebrate what’s right. Constructive feedback doesn’t just highlight areas for improvement—it also acknowledges what you’re doing well. This kind of validation can be incredibly motivating and reassuring, reminding you that you’re on the right track.
Additionally, feedback from others can spark new ideas and approaches. Sometimes, a critique will offer a suggestion or insight that you hadn’t considered, leading to a breakthrough in your story. It might inspire a new subplot, character development, or even an entirely different direction for your manuscript. This collaborative process can breathe new life into your work and take it to places you hadn’t imagined. Some of my absolute favorite characters and scenes came from talking about it with beta readers, critique partners, and editors.
Finally, being open to feedback builds resilience. Don’t underestimate the importance of this one. Writing is a craft that requires constant learning and growth, and part of that process is being able to accept and learn from criticism. The more you engage with feedback, the better you become at detaching yourself from your work and viewing it objectively. This resilience will not only improve your writing but also prepare you for the realities of the publishing world, where feedback (both positive and negative) is a constant. They’re not kidding when they say that the publishing world is tough and full of rejection. May as well get used to it now, while the feedback we’re receiving is genuinely trying to help us be better writers. At least at this stage there are usually actionable steps we can take, and things we can do with that criticism.
In the end, while writing might start as a solitary pursuit, it’s the input, critique, and support from others that help shape our work into something truly remarkable. Embracing feedback is an essential part of the writing process—one that, when approached with an open mind, can elevate our work and push us to become better writers. So, as tough as it can be, try to welcome critique with open arms. Remember, every piece of feedback is helping us become the writers we aspire to be.
Happy writing!
