Here's how you can skillfully address feedback on your writing.
Receiving feedback on your writing can be as daunting as it is invaluable. Whether you're a seasoned author or a novice, critiques are an integral part of the writing process. Knowing how to address them not only refines your work but also enhances your growth as a writer. This article will guide you through the steps to handle feedback with grace and efficiency, ensuring that you can sift through the noise, appreciate constructive criticism, and elevate your writing to new heights.
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Sahil Sajad3rd Year CSE Student at IIIT Bhubaneswar | Co-Founder of Science Academy | Author @AmazonKindle | Consultant…
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Mohit Rau 📚 🚢Educating migrants and students on the power of reading and LinkedIn writing | On a journey of reading 100 books…
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Sherlyn GomesContent Strategist | Editor | Business Writer | Crafting Inspiring Stories for B2B Publications
When feedback arrives, your initial reaction might be defensive, but it's crucial to maintain an open mind. Accept that every piece of writing, no matter how polished, has room for improvement. View feedback as an opportunity to learn rather than a personal attack. By detaching yourself from the work and considering the critique objectively, you can discern valuable insights that may have been overlooked. Remember, the goal is to better the writing, not to defend it.
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Sahil Sajad
3rd Year CSE Student at IIIT Bhubaneswar | Co-Founder of Science Academy | Author @AmazonKindle | Consultant @Dialectica | Intern @OasisInfoByte | Content Writer | Learner.
Skillfully address feedback on your writing by approaching it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Analyze the feedback carefully, identifying specific areas for improvement. Respond graciously, acknowledging the feedback and expressing gratitude for the insights provided. Take constructive criticism as an opportunity to refine your skills and enhance your work. Incorporate the feedback thoughtfully, making necessary revisions while staying true to your unique voice and vision. Through effective communication and a proactive approach to feedback, you can continuously elevate the quality of your writing and grow as a writer.
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chukwueze Faith
Direct Response Copywriter| Email marketer |Graphics Designer
When your content is being criticized, accept it as a way of improving your skills and yourself. Be open to it Don't try to be defensive when you are criticized. See it as an opportunity to learn
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Nura Ahmad, Mniti, Mcis, translator,interpreter.
Translator/interpreter, Transcreation/Localisation specialist, reviewer, proofreader, subtitling.
Yes! I always fight my critic friend for not offering constructive criticism of my writing. I always tell him that I am not comfortable with him telling me my writing is okay. Being a trained scientist, I believe that open mindedness and respecting other people's ideology are among the scientific attitudes.
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Thara Mariyam John
Script Writer and Reel Content Writer
Your client is not your enemy. They are not trying to put you down. All they want is to get the best out of you. Your work will be masterpiece in your eyes byt its not the same for everyone. They might see a true potential in you and they want you to achieve it. Listen keenly to them and note down all the points they want to alter in your script.
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Mehul Bansal
Associate, Rajiv Garg & Co., New Delhi
Feedback polish for your writing! Here's the gist: 1. **Thank the giver.** Appreciate their effort. 2. **Understand the feedback, not just the words.** What are they trying to say? 3. **Consider the source.** Does it align with your goals? 4. **Focus on actionable points.** Not all feedback needs fixing. 5. **Ask for clarification if needed.** Open communication is key. 6. **Trust your gut.** It's your work, decide what works best.
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Zoya Ashabi
I help you simplify complex medical terms. Let’s collaborate! ✍️ Professional Medical Writer | CME Writer | Health Copywriter | Author | 🦷Dentist
1. Practice Active Listening and Reflection: Actively listen to what is being said without immediately judging or becoming defensive. Reflect on the feedback before reacting. Understand their reasoning behind it. Ask yourself questions like, "What is the underlying concern or suggestion?" and "How can this feedback help me enhance my writing?" Ask for clarification. Seek specific examples or suggestions for improvement. 2. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Reframe feedback as an opportunity for growth. Instead of defending your writing, seek ways to improve it. Detach your ego from your writing and view it objectively. Separate yourself from the work to evaluate feedback more objectively.
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Leigh Steere
Thought Leadership, Content Marketing, Sales Enablement, Research, ISC2 CC
If you are writing for a client, they are the ones who need to be satisfied with the end product. Invite feedback. Ask, "Is there anything we can adjust to help you meet your goals more fully?" If they offer feedback, consider it through the lens of their goals. Will incorporating this feedback make it easier for the client to achieve their goals? If you feel it won't, say something along these lines: "I'm concerned the proposed edit may make it harder to achieve XYZ goal. Here's why I think that, along with some alternatives to consider." It can be helpful to live edit with a client. You can put the original version, their proposed edit, and some alternatives on the screen. And then say, "Let's work on this together until you love it."
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Antonia Patsidou
SCREENWRITER / AUTHOR / JOURNALIST / PRESENTER / TELESALES / MARKETING / CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST
When you receive feedback on your writing, approach it with an open mind. Take the time to analyze the feedback, looking for patterns or recurring themes that can guide your revisions. Don't take criticism personally. Remember, even the most successful writers receive feedback and use it to continuously improve their work. When you feel defensive about feedback on your writing, it's natural to want to protect your work. Start by identifying specific points raised in the critique and evaluate them based on their validity and relevance to your writing goals. This allows you to make informed decisions about which suggestions to implement in your revisions, ultimately leading to stronger and more polished writing.
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Maria Kristine Villafuerte
Detail-Oriented Multifaceted Professional | Data Entry | Digital Marketing | Affiliate Marketer | Product Lister | Accounting Clerk | QuickBooks
To skillfully address feedback on your writing: Stay Open-Minded: View feedback as a chance to improve your work. Ask for Clarification: If feedback is unclear, ask for specific examples or suggestions. Thank the Reviewer: Express appreciation for their input, even if you disagree. Reflect on Suggestions: Consider how the feedback aligns with your goals and message. Make Necessary Changes: Revise your writing based on helpful feedback. Learn from the Experience: Use feedback to improve future writing projects.
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Rachel Stamper
Editor Extraordinaire
Ask for specifics. Taking vague client feedback based on an emotion-based response (I don't feel like this is...) will often trigger revisions that the client may not cube with either. It's important to gain specificity so you have actionable intel or you're shooting in the dark.
Once you've welcomed feedback with an open mind, the next step is to fully understand the critiques. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. It's important to grasp what the reviewer is suggesting and why. This understanding will allow you to make informed decisions about which pieces of feedback to act on and how to implement them effectively. Clear communication can often reveal the path to improving your writing.
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Eeshita -
Writer | Freelance Editor | Extensive Reader MCW | BA.LLB (Hons.)
Plus, it is important to remember why you wrote the critiqued part as you did. It is natural to get overwhelmed by criticism of your work. But in that moment, and before you decide to implement the suggestion, recall the rationale that backed up that specific narrative choice. It signals to the effectiveness of your method. Feedback should always be read in conversation with your creative decisions. It not an all or none option. Constructive criticism is supposed to help, not dictate your work. But it's always of great value to understand how your words actually read.
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Brittany Foster
Freelance Creative Nonfiction Writer, Editor, & SEO Aficionado
A lot of writers, especially early in their careers, have trouble not taking critiques personally. After all, writing is a creative act, which, regardless of its application, feels very personal. But it's important to understand that critiques from skilled editors come from a desire to improve the writing, not from a place of negativity. Each edit and suggestion should have a purpose, and the best editors will explain their choice in a comment or general feedback. However, if they don't, it's up to you to ask questions. Don't be afraid to request an explanation, or even to defend your work if necessary, as long as it leads to a productive conversation that helps you to craft better content.
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Gbopemioluwa Olukoga
Penultimate Law Student at Redeemer's University | IP and Technology Law Enthusiast | Outlier
False pretense has never been beneficial. There are situations where my work has been criticized and I didn't understand it. Understanding that there's nothing wrong with asking for clarifications, I did that and I got the full picture.
Not all feedback is created equal. Some comments will be more relevant and useful than others. Prioritize the feedback that resonates with you and aligns with your vision for the piece. Consider the source of the feedback as well—advice from a trusted mentor or your target audience may carry more weight. By focusing on the most pertinent critiques, you can efficiently enhance your work without becoming overwhelmed.
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Wyann Vaughn
Podcast Host of Raise It Up, Wy!® 🚀
Consider. The. Source. ALWAYS. In prioritizing feedback, you must always account for the perspective of the critic. How knowledgeable is this person in your field? How much weight does their critique hold in valued spaces? Does the feedback consider your target audience or the breadth of research you accumulated to create your work? Answers to these questions could help distinguish which voices are louder in your head. Additionally, there will be times where you carry blind spots to your works. Your creations are your babies; your attachments to them will feel unshakable at times. That’s the time to allow expert feedback the authority to make edits about which you may feel unsure.
With a clear understanding and prioritization of feedback, you can begin making changes to your writing. Approach this phase with a mix of creativity and discipline. Apply the feedback in a way that stays true to your voice and intentions for the piece. Sometimes this means reworking large sections, while other times, minor tweaks will suffice. The key is to remain flexible and willing to experiment with different approaches.
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Mohit Rau 📚 🚢
Educating migrants and students on the power of reading and LinkedIn writing | On a journey of reading 100 books (99/100) 📚📖 and learning from the journeys of 500 migrants (49/500) 🤝
Once you start being consistent with your writing, your audience will give you feedback. You will sometimes have to read between the lines. Who is liking your post, who is commenting on your post and who sends you DM's? No engagement is also a sign of feedback. Maybe your post is too long, maybe it is too short, maybe you don't have credibility, maybe your posts are confusing, maybe your niche is not clear etc Feedback is everywhere only if you take the time to reflect on and evaluate. Asking for help is the first step of the feedback process. Use expertise available in your network and ask for help.
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Leigh Steere
Thought Leadership, Content Marketing, Sales Enablement, Research, ISC2 CC
The AI prompt says to "apply the feedback in a way that stays true to your voice and intentions for the piece." If you're writing for yourself, that's fine advice. If you are writing for a client, this advice can be detrimental. You are a conduit for the client's voice, and you want to connect with the client's target audience. You may need to set aside your own preferences to meet a client's objectives. Sometimes, a client may request something in a format that's not your favorite. Or maybe their target audience calls for a writing style that is more formal than what you love to write. Being able to adjust your style to meet a client's need is an important skill to cultivate.
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Gbopemioluwa Olukoga
Penultimate Law Student at Redeemer's University | IP and Technology Law Enthusiast | Outlier
You must implement changes. I mean, what's the point of receiving feedbacks if the opinions are not going to reflect in your work and make it better.
After implementing changes, take a moment to reflect on the feedback and your revisions. Consider what you've learned from the process and how it can apply to future writing endeavors. Each piece of feedback is a stepping stone in your development as a writer. By reflecting on the process, you solidify these lessons and prepare yourself to handle future critiques more skillfully.
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Nivedita Mishra
Ruthlessly Real. No Frills. Writer. Podcaster. Love It. Live It or Leave It.
While the bottom line, the client is always right still holds true, I take every feedback as a window into what I could be more mindful about. As humans in a multitasking world we literally have several windows open on our attention screens. What does this say about me? Where have I not put enough attention? What is the client's bent of mind or over-arching need? Is there something being overlooked by us both that we could focus on some more? Keeping one's ego out of it may be difficult but helps a lot.
Finally, acknowledge those who provided feedback. Whether it's a simple thank you or a more in-depth discussion about the changes made, maintaining positive relationships with your reviewers is important. These connections can provide ongoing support and further opportunities for growth. Plus, showing appreciation for someone's time and effort fosters a collaborative spirit that can lead to even more valuable insights down the line.
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Zakia Kanwal
Content Writing Expert | Copy-writing | SEO Content Writing Specialist | Website Content Creation
Acknowledging feedback is not just a courtesy but a strategic move in the world of writing. It builds a network of trust and mutual respect, essential for any writer's growth. This practice turns occasional advisors into long-term mentors and collaborators, enriching your writing journey with diverse perspectives and expertise.
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Alannah Koene
Copywriter | Content Marketer
Writers, editors, and managers are teams, and feedback is vital for team success. What’s started in the past as brief changes or corrections from editors has sometimes developed into bigger conversations. The trust and rapport that we build through mutual recognition allows us to work together more cohesively to improve the overall project outcomes.
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Sherlyn Gomes
Content Strategist | Editor | Business Writer | Crafting Inspiring Stories for B2B Publications
Receiving feedback on your writing can sometimes feel like navigating through a maze of opinions, but it's essential to approach it with an open heart and mind. Remember, every critique, whether big or small, is an opportunity to grow and refine your craft. Take the time to truly understand what others are saying about your work, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed. And don't forget to express gratitude to those who took the time to provide feedback – building positive relationships in the writing community can lead to endless opportunities for collaboration and growth.
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Noor K.
content manager/M.A sociology/social researcher and facilitator /writer(kurdish short story)
I have had a pen and paper in all the review sessions of my writings and have written down the reviews. Even after years, every time I write a new article or story, I look at those reviews. Sometimes I have been corrected and sometimes I still have that problem in my writing after 12 years. Writing and keeping reviews will allow you to see your progress as a writer.
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Nura Ahmad, Mniti, Mcis, translator,interpreter.
Translator/interpreter, Transcreation/Localisation specialist, reviewer, proofreader, subtitling.
We should not take criticism as something personal. One should be humble enough to know, "above every learned is another more learned". One can never be 100% perfect. So the self here should be disciplined.
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Gbopemioluwa Olukoga
Penultimate Law Student at Redeemer's University | IP and Technology Law Enthusiast | Outlier
It's advisable to note down the feedbacks you receive in relation to your work. It's beyond just reflecting the changes in your work. You can have a small jotter where you can write down the little changes you made based on the feedbacks you received. Frequently going through the jotter will help you take note of the mistakes an avoid repeating them.
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