As writers, we are constantly putting our writing out there for critique. We have writing groups, beta-readers, we win a critique from someone, we get a rejection letter enumerating all that is wrong with our story. It's a tough business and we need a thick skin.
So let's talk a little about how to receive criticism. Some of it is valuable, some of it--not so much. How do you know what to accept and what to reject?
First of all, consider the source. If an agent or editor tells you the story is too slow or the voice is off, listen. Agent feedback is valuable and almost always spot on.
When it comes to your writing group, some might feel it is their job to point out as many problems as possible. If they have no negative feedback they feel they are failing at their responsibility so they may dwell on the nit-picky. As we say in my group, scraping the bottom of the barrel. Stew on their advice and then go with your gut reaction.
Non-writer feedback can be useful because they tend to look at the story as a whole. But if your writing falls outside of their preferred genre, their feedback could mean nothing.
Second, pay attention to the feedback's level. Criticism that considers the story as a whole is more valuable than the nit-picky. If a reader mentions overall plot issues, says the story didn't hook them, it was confusing, didn't care about the main characters, too much repetition, too slow--those are red flags. Listen up and fix it.
If the feed back is full of nit-picky small stuff then those are the kinds of changes you think about and then go with what you feel is right for your story.
If a reader says your story just really isn't their thing, no problem. Move on. They are not the target audience.
In the end, all criticism is based on personal opinion and should be carefully considered. Most writers and readers that offer feedback are well-meaning and want to help you write the best story you can, so don't get offended or disheartened by negative comments. Listen to them, think about why that person said what they did, and then use those comments to strengthen your writing.
What are your tips for receiving (or giving) criticism?
Coincidentally, Mary Kole wrote an excellent article on agent vs. paid editorial feedback and why agents say the things they do. Check it out.
Coincidentally, Mary Kole wrote an excellent article on agent vs. paid editorial feedback and why agents say the things they do. Check it out.
Great ideas on big picture vs. nitpicky. I recently changes some things in my opening pages thinking they were heavy-handed "telling" but when a crit partner pointed out that the character seemed naive about her situation, it made me realize I needed some of those details I took out. I personally need to work on character development so I always appreciate those comments. I tend to want to fix stuff RIGHT NOW and have been learning to let it stew in my head for a bit and then make the changes that I think are most necessary. Sometimes I'm a little to quick to adopt advice I've read somewhere without considering the larger scope.
ReplyDeleteLetting things stew is great advice. I never make changes immediately after receiving feedback. I wait a week or two, then when I re-read the feedback, I usually feel differently about it than I did when I first looked it over. I'm glad you figured out what you needed to do to fix your opening pages.
Deletewonderful advice. Sometimes it's hard figuring out what suggestions to take into consideration and what to ignore, that's why we need more than one perspective.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that more than one perspective is helpful. I love it when someone in my critique group disagrees with a some else's comment regarding my manuscript. It's so nice to hear two different viewpoints.
DeleteGreat advice. I think being able to receive feedback and know when it is valid or not saves writers a considerable amount of frustration. My husband, also a writer, has an astounding ability for honesty in all areas of his life and I truly value his knowledgeable feedback. But sometimes, I need to remind myself he writes within a different genre and in some circumstances that can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteKnowing the background and area of specialty that a critiquer has helps a lot in knowing how much of their advice applies specifically to you. How lucky to have a husband who is helpful in giving good feedback! Thanks for your insightful comment.
DeleteEach person in a critique group brings their own unique strengths with them. Having at least one person of the opposite gender also helps! Who would cringe at the kissing scenes if we didn't have Scott??
ReplyDeleteI usually can't read my critiques or make changes for a few days. It use to be a few weeks but I've toughened up, especially since our critique group is so good and I TRUST them. I think that is a big part of critiquing too. Trust.
I totally agree that I love having Scott in our group. He brings a great perspective. I love our group and I really appreciate all the different strengths each member contributes.
DeleteSometimes I think that the most painful criticism is generally the stuff that you should listen to because it is coming from somewhere. I guess though, one needs to take everything with a grain of salt and sort through a person's opinion to determine if it is "educated and worth noting" and not simply a rant.
ReplyDeleteI think it's true that sometimes he criticisms that hurt the most are those that ring true. Often as a writer, I know my weakness and so when someone points it out, I cringe and then (later) agree.
DeleteI think we've talked about this before, but sometimes the critique addresses a problem we had overlooked, but other times, our crit partners point out the same things that were nagging us for one reason or another. It helps to also keep in mind the positive along with the negative. Sometimes we receive dozens of compliments on a chapter and one thing that needs to be changed. We tend to dwell on the one negative thing and forget about the positive things that worked. We need tough skin, but also we need to be gentle with ourselves :-)
ReplyDeleteYamile, you are always so good at pointing out the positives! I love reading your critiques because they are so helpful AND positive.
DeleteI try to put my crit comments in the form of a question, "Have you considered...." or " Change this to...., maybe?" And I always try to balance the delta's with pluses.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! It's a little softer and makes the writer think instead of just feel depressed.
DeleteLove the header!!
ReplyDelete(Incidentally, this is a great post. Unlike the proper care and feeding of husbands, which is the WORST.)
Also, lots of people asked me for your website and when your book comes out when I was in Oregon :)
Thanks for spreading the word. I hope they all buy a copy! Glad you're back safe.
DeleteSo, so true! And it so hard for the new writer to discern the difference sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGood point! Criticism is especially hard for the new writer. But also so important! Thanks Donna.
DeleteI liked what Jaye said about phrasing it constructively. And if I do give criticism (not that I'm in this position a lot) I like to offer up a useful suggestion instead of just saying I don't like something.
ReplyDeleteI like your header too! And I like your explanatory section about it :)
ReplyDelete