How to Give Constructive Writing Feedback | SFF Writers Guide

How should you respond after listening to someone’s story? Providing good feedback is a skill developed over time, but there are some tips you can follow to make sure your feedback is as helpful as possible.

Here's How to Give Constructive Writing Feedback

Respond as a Reader

Our purpose is not to respond as editors but as readers. This means focusing on your subjective reactions to the story. What stood out to you? What did you feel? Were you invested in the character, in the conflict? Was there anything you found confusing? Did you find your mind wandering?

These are just some of the questions you can ask yourself. Avoid making vague statements such as “I liked this” or “I didn’t like this.” Try to pinpoint specific elements that did or didn’t work for you.

Try to avoid telling the writer how to fix their story. There’s a popular saying: “If someone tells you something isn’t working for them, they’re almost always right; if they tell you how to fix it, they’re almost always wrong.” Try to diagnose, not prescribe. 

All feedback should be subjective. Instead of saying something like “This character is poorly written,” consider saying “I didn’t connect with this character.” Instead of saying “You overuse em-dashes,” consider saying, “I found the amount of em-dashes distracting.” Instead of saying “A reader, agent, or editor will immediately stop reading,” consider saying “I wasn’t hooked enough to want to continue reading.”

That said, be confident. We’re all equal here. Don’t feel the need to make qualifying statements like “Feel free to ignore my feedback” or “My critique probably isn’t valid, but…” Everyone’s reaction is valid and welcomed.

Focus on the Big Picture

Focus on the “structural” elements of the story rather than the sentence-level elements. If an entire scene is going to be rewritten, there’s no point in highlighting a typo or a grammatical error. Instead, focus on elements such as: whether you were invested in the characters, whether their actions made sense, whether there was sufficient tension or conflict; whether the world was internally consistent; whether the pacing was too fast or too slow. Any sentence-level critiques can be marked down on the copy provided.

Be Mindful of Time

Each piece has a limited amount of time for discussion. Do not feel the need to give the entirety of your feedback out loud. Try to focus on the biggest points and mark down the rest on your copy. This ensures everyone has a chance to speak.

Be Constructive

Feedback should be constructive and, overall, encouraging. Try to identify things you liked as well as things you didn’t like. Try your best to understand what the writer is trying to accomplish and provide feedback to enhance that creative vision rather than trying to rewrite the story for them. 

Always be honest. If a piece didn’t work for you, share that with the reader. If you didn’t find anything to critique, don’t go looking for something to criticize; sometimes, it’s useful to hear that a piece is working as intended.

Always be respectful. Critique the story, not the author. Don’t try to tear anyone down.

Remember: A successful meeting is one where everyone leaves wanting to write more.

Disagreements

Disagreements are common and encouraged. The benefit of such a diverse group is the diversity of opinions. Disagreements do not need to be settled during discussion. Voice disagreement, sure, but if you find yourself going back and forth with another member, it’s probably time to move on and let someone else speak.

There’s no need to “win” an argument; it’s up to the author to decide how to edit the piece.

Questions to the Writer

Do not address questions to the writer. When a book is out there in the wild, the author will not be looking over the reader’s shoulder ready to answer their questions. Responses from the author also risk biasing feedback. Instead, address questions toward the group. Instead of asking “Did you intend that X?”, ask “Did anyone else think that X?”

Sharing the Floor

If you’re naturally talkative, be mindful of how often you’re speaking and how much time you’re taking up. If you have a lot of feedback, consider writing some down rather than sharing it all out loud. If you’ve spoken already, try to step back and give others a chance to speak. Try not to interrupt people who are trying to weigh in.

If you’re reserved or don’t have confidence in your opinion, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Everyone’s voice adds value to the group. If you want to speak and are having trouble finding an opening, feel free to raise your hand. The moderator will make sure you get a chance to speak.

That being said, don’t ever feel pressured to speak. Listeners are always welcome, and your presence is appreciated regardless of whether you share feedback.

Concerning Identity

Just as people of all identities (ex. race, gender, sexual orientation) have a right to exist in real life, so do they have a right to exist in stories. The inclusion of diverse characters never needs to be justified by the author. Do not make statements or ask questions that reinforce the idea that characters who are, for example, white, heterosexual, or cisgendered are the default and that any deviation is unnatural.

Nor do stories need to revolve around issues concerning a character’s identity for a character to have that identity. Our group promotes inclusivity and diversity, and that extends to our fiction.  

Problematic Elements

Some elements of a story may make readers feel unwelcomed, excluded, or uncomfortable. Some example include the use of racial slurs, the propagating of harmful stereotypes, or depictions of any kind of abuse.

Anyone can identify problematic elements in a story, not just people potentially affected by those elements. No one is required to share personal details in order to justify their critique. That said, if you are providing feedback pertaining to the portrayal of a group you are not a part of, be mindful of that fact—remember, talk about how a work affects you rather than stating objective truths. 

Sometimes, authors may intentionally explore difficult subjects. On the other hand, some may unintentionally include problematic elements in their writing. When providing critique, always focus on the story itself. Refrain from making judgments about the author and their intent.

Casual Chat and Jokes

Naturally, long-time members will develop rapport and friendships, leading to the casual sharing of jokes. Be mindful of possible making new members feel excluded. New members should never feel like outsiders. 

Avoid jokes that may make other members feel uncomfortable. If you are unsure whether a joke is appropriate, err on the side of caution. Above all, maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive atmosphere for all members.

Terminology

Writers have a whole lexicon of jargon. Character archetypes. Third-person omniscient. Info-dumping. Show, don’t tell.

Specialized terminology can be useful, but remember that not all members may be familiar with it. If your point can be expressed using plain language, try to do so. On the flipside, if someone uses a term you are unfamiliar with, don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation.

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