Giving Feedback to Other Writers

A Writers’ Group

 Guidelines for Giving Criticism

1. As an editor of others’ work, it is important, ideally, to be widely read.

2. Take into account the basic issues of narrative structure, characterisation, evocative and atmospheric language, vivid settings, scenes creation, and believable dialogue, relevant to all types of good creative writing.

3. Take on the task of critiquing with a positive and helpful intention; read carefully, trying to understand the writer’s purpose and creative goal; consider the genre, the narrator’s point of view, and the voice.

4. It is better not to offer criticism if you do not like the genre or style of writing under consideration.

5. Is the emphasis more on character, experimentation with language, psychological/philosophical issues or story?

6. Remember that some people may be highly sensitive in relation to some pieces on offer. This is especially true for new writers, or those who have not offered their work for feedback before.

7. Think carefully about what is not working for you, and what is working, before you offer criticism. Give the positives first and say why. Give the negatives next, and say why it doesn’t work for you, and how you think it could be made better.

10. Be truthful in your criticism. The writer needs guidance, not niceties.

Guidelines for Accepting Criticism

1. Be prepared to receive negative, as well as positive criticism.

2. Try to separate yourself from the work as much as possible.

3. If possible, look on your work as a “product” after it is “out there.”

4. Look on feedback as a valuable means of improving your writing.

5. Be ready to respond to negative criticism, if you feel that it is not warranted; give your reasons for your opinion.

6. Rewrite your work in accordance with the feedback received, and see if it is better.

7. Do not change your work if you still disagree with the criticism.

8. Remember that all writers have received negative feedback at times.

9. One suggestion is not to show your work until you feel confident about it.

10. A sure sign that you can write is that you keep going after knockbacks.