As authors, we’re constantly bombarded by feedback. Some of it is amazing, but some make you wonder, ‘Why bother?’
Criticism and feedback are a natural part of the creative process.
But how do you handle criticism and negative feedback?
This is worth pondering, because we can’t avoid it as long as our books are available for public consumption. I’d like to share some tips for handling negative feedback.
Before we go into that, let’s talk about criticism and feedback.
What Is Criticism and Feedback?
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As writers or creatives, feedback is important, especially if we’re writing for people to consume.
The Online Oxford Dictionary defines criticism as the analysis and judgement of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.
Feedback is information about reactions to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc., which is used as a basis for improvement.
Interestingly, neither criticism nor feedback is inherently negative, yet they’re often interpreted or received that way.
Why Feedback and Criticism Matter?
While some creatives may dream of writing in a vacuum free from interference, that’s rarely the case, especially if they intend to earn a living from their art.
This is where criticism and feedback come in.
If you’re hesitant about why you need external input, here are three reasons.
1. Impartial Analysis – Writers are often lousy at analyzing their work, especially when just starting.
The writing process seems to include the highs of ‘This is awesome!’ before sinking into the despair of ‘This is utter rubbish!’
Given our emotional connection, we need an impartial third party to provide insight and necessary critiques.
2. Process Improvement – After we’re done freaking out because they didn’t like our “baby”, we can go back to it and do the work to make it better.
Feedback and criticism allow us to get better at our process and strengthen weak areas. It highlights flaws we may be blind to or strengths we may not have noticed.
3. Validation – We may deny it or pretend it’s not important, but at some point, we want someone to read our work. We want to share our ideas and the fascinating (at least to us) world and characters we’ve created.
This makes the hours we spend in our writing caves worth it. Knowing someone appreciates our words gives us a reason to keep writing. And we’re writers. After all, we want to write all the words.
Tips for Handling Negative Feedback
So, how should we respond when someone hates the thing we poured our hearts and souls into?
1. Look at one-star reviews for bestsellers in your genre or the classics.
They exist, and as you read them, you might find that…
2. The things one reader hates are the exact reason you love it.
We’re all unique, so why do we expect our reading tastes to be the same?
3. Negative feedback is an indicator of where you might need to improve.
Thankfully, we live in an era where information is freely available. Study craft and books in your genre (and related ones) to get better at your areas of weakness.
4. Look at the five-star reviews of any book.
Someday (maybe even today), you’ll be the recipient of those types of reviews.
Your book may be someone’s favorite and one day…
5. You might be someone’s favorite author.
But that won’t happen if you give up. Keep writing and searching for your ideal readers. They’re out there and are waiting for you.
I hope these few words encouraged you, and you won’t be disheartened the next time someone criticizes your work. And if it bothers you so much, limit your input to a trusted group who can relate their opinions with kindness. Life is too short to surround yourself with meanness.
Join the conversation. How do you manage negative feedback?
