Feedback is an absolutely vital component of the creative process. Whether it's from a critique partner, beta reader, or editor, feedback can help us identify areas where our writing can be improved. However, receiving feedback can be challenging, especially when it's critical. In this article, we'll discuss the impact of criticism in writing, the role of feedback in the editing process, and several other items relating to the acceptance and use of literary criticism.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FEEDBACK IN LITERARY CRITICISM
As writers, we can be too close to our work, making it difficult to see the flaws. Everyone experiences this sooner or later. As hard as it can be to hear it, feedback from others often provide us with a fresh perspective and help us identify blind spots in our process. Additionally, feedback can help us understand how our writing is perceived by others, which is essential for effective communication.
Criticism is also an essential part of the creative process. Without criticism, we may not be pushed to improve our craft. Criticism is on of the most necessary components for growth and development as a writer. It's important to remember that criticism is not a personal attack, but rather an opportunity to improve our writing.
FEEDBACK IN THE EDITING PROCESS
While not quite the same as criticism, feedback is a similar concept that plays a significant role in the editing process. While criticism focuses almost entirely on a problem at hand, feedback may come with some helpful suggestions or solutions and tends to be a bit softer.
After completing a first draft, writers often seek feedback from others to identify areas where the writing can be improved. This feedback can range from big-picture critiques of the overall structure and pacing to line-by-line edits for grammar and syntax.
Once feedback has been received, it's the writer's responsibility to decide which changes to incorporate into their work. It's important to remember that not all feedback is equal, and some suggestions may not align with the writer's vision for their work. However, it's also crucial to remain open-minded and consider feedback that challenges our assumptions about our writing.
TYPES OF FEEDBACK AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM
Feedback can come in many forms, from positive reinforcement to constructive criticism. Positive feedback is a primary driver for building confidence and motivation, but it can also be vague and unhelpful. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, can be challenging to hear but is often the most helpful in terms of improving our writing.
When receiving feedback, it's essential to remain open-minded and avoid becoming defensive. It's important to listen to the feedback and ask questions to clarify any areas that are unclear. Additionally, it can be helpful to take notes on the feedback to refer to later.
STRATEGIES FOR RESPONDING TO CRITICISM
Responding to criticism can be challenging, but it's essential to do so in a professional and constructive manner. When receiving criticism, it's important to take a deep breath and avoid becoming defensive. Instead, try to view the criticism as an opportunity to improve your writing.
When responding to criticism, thank the person for their feedback and take some time to reflect on what was said, even if it was mostly or entirely negative. It can be helpful to ask questions to clarify any areas that are unclear and to discuss potential solutions for the identified issues.
Even a short dialogue between yourself and the critical party can be highly beneficial. I’ve found that most people believe themselves to be reasonable and harbor no ill intent when giving a negative review or input. Some people just have that sort of personality. If given a chance however, most everyone who offers an overly negative opinion of something you’ve written is more than happy to elaborate a bit on what they mean and have something in mind that you could do to improve your craft.
DEVELOPING A GROWTH MINDSET
Developing a growth mindset when it comes to criticism is essential for improving our writing. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. When it comes to writing, this means recognizing that we can always improve and that criticism is an essential part of the learning process.
To develop a growth mindset, it's important to view criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack, even if it actually is. I’d wager that not everyone agrees with me on this, but hear me out. If you think of your writing skill as a sort of living, breathing organism you’ll find that it can be molded by its unique experiences and external stimuli.
Much like life, you’ll notice that the totality of experience contributes greatly to how you and your skill will evolve over time. Therefore, it’s prudent to attempt, at least, to glean as much useful information from every critique as possible. In short, always assume that the person you’re listening to knows something you don’t.
Additionally, it can be helpful to set goals for improvement and to seek out feedback regularly. Sometimes you have to go looking for an anvil to stand under.
HOW TO USE FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE YOUR WRITING
Using feedback to improve your writing can be difficult, but it's necessary for growth and development as a writer. When incorporating feedback, it's important to consider which suggestions align with your vision for your work and which do not. Don’t lose your literary voice by catering to what you think others want to read. It's equally important to avoid becoming overly reliant on feedback and to trust your own instincts as a writer.
Arguably the best strategy for using feedback to improve your writing is to create a revision plan. This plan should outline which changes you will make based on the feedback you've received and when you plan to make them. Additionally, it can be helpful to seek out feedback from multiple sources to get a well-rounded perspective on your writing.
CONCLUSION
Having a growth mindset in literary criticism means approaching critiques with an open and curious attitude, recognizing that there is always room for improvement and learning. One must embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth and development, rather than as obstacles to be avoided. With a growth mindset, you can engage with your talents more deeply and thoughtfully, and develop a greater appreciation for the nuances and complexities of authorship. Ultimately, this mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching experience of both writing and the improvement thereof.
Thank you for spending your time with us this morning on the Scripta Blog by Huntsville Independent Press. If you enjoyed this article or were able to take something of value from it, then please share it with a friend or colleague. As always we hope that you have a positive and productive week and we look forward to seeing you again this time next week!
Written by:
Joshua Adams
Senior Editor
Huntsville Independent Press
\\
ABOUT HUNTSVILLE INDEPENDENT PRESS
Huntsville Independent Press is the premiere publishing imprint of the Southeast United States, and we want to help you, the author. HIP provides, at no cost to our signed authors, a better solution for the publication of your story. Our contracts are non-restrictive and offer higher royalties for our authors. No HIP advance is taken out of royalties. Your advance from us is a one-time payment for the privilege to publish your book and is not a loan. Our passionate team of editors work diligently to ensure that the uniqueness of your story is preserved through the editing process. While you’re here, feel free to look around to see if Huntsville Independent Press is the right home for your work. We are always happy to have talented authors find a publishing home here with us.
Comments