There’s a reason many of us writers refer to our projects as our “babies.” We’ve spent days, months, or even years nurturing the idea and breathing life into every sentence.
After that intimate and solitary process, it can be nerve-wracking to ask others for feedback.
Even when we’re less invested in a project — say, a quick blog post for a client — it can still sting to receive criticism.
Although feedback is incredibly valuable, I still find this part of the writing process to be terrifying whether I’m writing an article for a client or sharing my novel with a beta reader.
Most writers will have to deal with negative feedback about their work throughout their careers, and that’s a good thing! Hearing thoughtful criticism on your work is what helps you learn how to become a better writer — but only if you’re receptive to it.
First things first: Change your mindset
Before you receive your next round of criticism, practice thinking of feedback as a gift.
When someone takes the time to read your work and provide thoughtful feedback, they’re giving you something valuable: their perspective. This perspective can help you see blind spots in your writing and improve your craft.
1. Separate yourself from your writing
One of the hardest things about receiving criticism is not taking it personally. Remember that feedback on your writing is not feedback on you as a person.
When someone critiques your work, they’re evaluating the words on the page, not your worth as a human being or even your overall ability as a writer.
2. Listen actively without defending
When receiving feedback, your first instinct might be to explain why you made certain choices or to defend your work. Resist this urge.
Instead, listen actively to what the person is saying. Take notes if necessary. Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand their perspective, but avoid justifying your choices during this initial conversation.
3. Filter feedback appropriately
Not all criticism is created equal. Learn to distinguish between constructive feedback that can help you improve and unhelpful criticism that’s best ignored.
Constructive feedback is specific, actionable, and focused on the work itself. Unhelpful criticism tends to be vague, personal, or based on subjective preferences that don’t align with your goals.
4. Use criticism as an opportunity
The most successful writers view criticism as a chance to grow. When you receive feedback, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this? How can this help me become a better writer?”
Even if you disagree with some of the feedback, there’s usually something valuable you can take away from it. Look for patterns in the criticism you receive — if multiple people point out the same issue, it’s probably worth addressing.
Remember
Learning to handle criticism gracefully is an essential skill for any writer. By changing your mindset, separating yourself from your work, listening actively, filtering feedback appropriately, and using criticism as a learning opportunity, you’ll not only become more resilient but also a better writer.
The next time you receive feedback on your writing, take a deep breath and remember: this is how you grow. Embrace the process, and watch your writing improve.