{"id":799338,"date":"2025-06-17T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/?p=799338"},"modified":"2025-09-03T10:28:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T09:28:36","slug":"sharing-is-caring-six-tips-for-making-the-most-of-feedback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/sharing-is-caring-six-tips-for-making-the-most-of-feedback\/","title":{"rendered":"Sharing is caring: six tips for making the most of feedback"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As thrilling as it is to share what I\u2019ve learned in my 20+ years as an editor, one of my favorite experiences as an instructor on Jericho\u2019s Novel Writing Course<\/a> and Ultimate Novel Writing Programme<\/a> is watching students learn from each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the course progresses, and as they get to know and trust each other, they go from suggesting what an author could<\/em> do to improve their project to what they should<\/em> do to fiercely protect whatever it is that sparked a story to begin with. Over time, they begin enthusiastically coaxing one another to fan those sparks into something astonishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve written a chapter or a complete draft of a novel, chances are, at some stage, you\u2019re going to feel like you\u2019ve gone as far as you can go on your own. When that moment arrives, it\u2019s time to get some feedback. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some writers, it comes when they\u2019ve been over (and over, and over\u2026) a draft and have hit the point where it\u2019s all trees, no forest. It\u2019s time to get some perspective, see what\u2019s resonating with readers, and find out what still needs improvement. Other writers find themselves at a crossroads with their project: a story could go this way or that way, and the implications of choosing either route are huge. In this scenario, an outside reader is a brainstorming partner to help them think through the options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In either case, sharing your work with others can be a little scary. It\u2019s a vulnerable moment, and having a plan for how to request, receive, and implement feedback can help you make the most of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Choose wisely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many writers reach out to those closest to them\u2014friends and family\u2014for feedback, and while that can<\/em> yield constructive criticism, don\u2019t be surprised if you get a resounding \u201cI love it! It\u2019s perfect! Don\u2019t change a thing!\u201d from dear Aunt Bernice. While that\u2019s lovely to hear, it\u2019s not especially helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cherish those champions\u2014that note from your aunt will help you power through your umpteenth revision\u2014but choose readers who are ready to help you improve, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Give your readers some direction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to guide your readers about what kind of feedback you\u2019re looking for, and avoid asking them yes or no questions. \u201cDo you think the novel is working?\u201d is going to yield less helpful feedback than \u201cWhat can I do to improve the pacing in the last thirty pages?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A list of 5-10 questions can help ensure readers give you feedback you can actually use \u2013 and invite them to share anything else they want to with you, too. Whatever you do, please don\u2019t<\/em> instruct your readers, \u201cJust tell me if I should never write again!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone \u2014 yes, you included \u2014 can improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to read the rest of this article? Log in<\/a> or join our free community – you’ll get the rest of our top tips, plus a truck-load of other resources. Whoever said you don’t get anything in this life for free?<\/h4>\n\n\n\r\n