Seeking feedback is very important for writers who want to improve their work. When you ask for feedback, you let other people read your writing and share their thoughts and suggestions. These people can be friends, family members, or even strangers. Each person gives you a new viewpoint, helping you see your writing differently. However, the best you can do is work with a professional editor who will be honest with you.

You can find things you might have missed to improve by getting feedback. For example, someone might notice a part of the story that doesn’t make sense, suggest a clearer way to write a sentence or give ideas to make your story more interesting. These insights are beneficial because they show how others see your writing and where you can improve.

However, finding willing readers who can provide constructive feedback can be challenging.

So, here are some tips to help getting feedback on your writing:

• Choose Your Reviewer Wisely

It’s essential to pick the right people to review your writing. Start by choosing people who will give you honest and helpful feedback. The first person many writers turn to for free feedback on their writing are their friends and family. These are the people who are immediately around you. They’re the easiest to reach out to. They’re probably also your support system, the people who care about you and cheer you on when you’re doing something new. So, of course, asking your friends and family what they think is pretty natural when working on a book.

That’s the biggest pro of getting free feedback from friends and family: they’re right there. You don’t have to seek them out; you already know them. Paradoxically, that’s also the biggest con of getting free feedback from friends and family. You already know them. They like you. They want you to be happy. That means they might not be completely honest with you when you share your writing.

On the other hand, to get more detailed and helpful feedback, consider contacting fellow writers, teachers, or members of writing groups. These people often have more experience with writing and can provide you with a deeper understanding of what works well and what needs improvement in your writing. Fellow writers can give tips on writing techniques, plot development, and character building. Teachers can offer insights on grammar, structure, and clarity. Writing groups can provide diverse opinions and suggestions because they include people with different backgrounds and writing styles.

By choosing reviewers with a mix of personal interest and professional experience, you’ll get a balance of encouragement and constructive feedback. This will help you see your work differently and make meaningful improvements. Remember, the goal is to get better at writing, so having a variety of reviewers can be beneficial.

• Be specific in Your Request

When asking for feedback, being clear about what you need help with is valuable. Simply asking someone to read your work and give their thoughts can lead to vague or general comments that might not be very useful. Instead, telling your reviewers exactly what areas you want them to focus on would be best.

For example, if you wish to help with grammar, let them know that you need them to look for spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and sentence structure issues. This way, they will pay close attention to these details as they read your work.

If you need assistance with plot development, explain that you want them to look at the overall story. Ask them if the structure flows, if any parts are confusing or seem out of place, and if the story makes sense from beginning to end. This will help you understand if your story is engaging and logical.

For overall structure, request feedback on how your writing is organized. This includes how your story is arranged, how your ideas are presented, and whether the pacing of your story works well. Let your reviewers know if you want them to check if the beginning grabs their attention, the middle is engaging, and the ending is satisfying.

The more specific you are in your requests, the more helpful the feedback will be. Your reviewers will know precisely what to look for and can provide detailed comments and suggestions. This targeted feedback will make it easier to improve the areas that matter most to you. So, always take the time to communicate your needs when asking for feedback.

• Don’t take things personally

When you ask for feedback on your writing, preparing yourself to hear positive and negative comments is essential. Remember, the main goal of feedback is to help you improve your work. This means you will likely read things you did well and things you could do better.

Feeling defensive or hurt when someone points out flaws in your writing is natural. However, try to keep in mind that feedback is not an attack on you. Instead, consider it valuable information to help you grow as a writer. Each piece of feedback is a chance to learn something new and strengthen your writing.

Focus on the specific points rather than your feelings to take feedback constructively. For example, don’t get upset if someone says a part of your story is confusing. Instead, ask for more details and consider how to clarify that part.

It’s also helpful to look for patterns in the feedback you receive. If multiple people point out the same issue, it’s likely an area that needs attention. Use this information to prioritize your revisions and focus on the parts of your writing that will benefit the most from improvement.

At the same time, appreciate the positive feedback you get. Recognizing your strengths is vital for building confidence and understanding what you’re doing well. Balance the positive comments with constructive feedback to get a well-rounded view of your writing.

Everyone has room to grow, and even the best writers receive feedback. You’ll become a better writer by being open to feedback and willing to make changes. So, listen to what others say, learn from their comments, and use their insights to enhance your work.

• Hire a professional editor  

Hiring a professional editor is a crucial step in improving your writing. A professional editor has the skills and experience to take your work to the next level by providing expert feedback and making necessary corrections. They have a deep understanding of language, grammar, and writing techniques, allowing them to spot errors and issues you might miss, such as grammatical mistakes, awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and inconsistencies in your writing. Their experience provides valuable insights that can significantly enhance your work.

As the author of your work, you might be too close to see its flaws. A professional editor offers an objective perspective, providing honest and unbiased feedback. They can identify areas that need improvement and suggest changes to make your writing more transparent, engaging, and polished. An editor can help you ensure that your ideas are presented clearly and logically, reorganizing your content to improve the flow of your writing and making it easier for readers to follow your arguments and understand your message. This includes helping with the overall structure, chapter organization, and paragraph transitions.

They can help you adhere to specific style guides if required, ensuring that your writing meets industry standards. Their job is to make your writing the best it can be by meticulously checking your work for errors and ensuring the final product is polished and professional. This is particularly important if you submit your work for publication or present it to a wider audience.

Editing your work can be time-consuming and challenging. By hiring a professional editor, you can save time and focus on other aspects of your writing or personal life. The editor’s expertise allows them to work efficiently, providing you with high-quality feedback and corrections promptly.

Additionally, working with an editor can be a learning experience. By seeing the changes they suggest and understanding their reasons, you can improve your writing skills, which will benefit your future writing projects as you become more aware of common mistakes and effective writing techniques.

• Engage with your reviewers/editor by asking questions about their feedback

When you receive feedback on your writing, engaging with your reviewers or editor is important by asking questions about their comments and suggestions. This helps you understand their perspective better and makes the feedback process more interactive and valuable.

Start by carefully reading through all the feedback you receive. Pay attention to both positive comments and areas for improvement. If there is something you need help understanding or want more information about, feel free to ask your editor for clarification. After all, they are on your side.

For example, if a reviewer says a part of your story is confusing, you can ask them to explain why they found it confusing. By asking specific questions, you can get more detailed insights into what needs to be fixed. This can help you see exactly what changes might be required.

When an editor points out issues with your writing style or structure, ask for examples of how you might improve. If they suggest that your sentences are too long or complex, ask them to show you where this happens and how you could rewrite those parts. Specific examples can guide you in making your writing more concise and easier to read.

Engaging with your editor also means being open to discussing their feedback in more depth. Sometimes, a quick conversation can help you understand their point better and give you a chance to explain your intentions. This dialogue can lead to more constructive and actionable feedback. Being open and communicative with your reviewers or editor fosters a better working relationship and helps you get the most out of their expertise and insights.

Remember, every piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the insights and suggestions others offer, and use them to refine your writing skills. Building solid relationships with your reviewers through appreciation and constructive dialogue will help you improve your work and foster a supportive writing community for future projects.

Keep writing, learning, and seeking feedback—it’s all part of the journey.

Onwards and Upwards!