The Art of Receiving Critiques Gracefully

Criticism is hard. It's one of the tougher parts of writing because it's frightening. No one wants to hear what's wrong with a manuscript, especially after putting so much into it. However, a lack of criticism leads to stagnation. How will you improve if you don't know what you're doing wrong? Accepting criticism is an art form. Learn to accept it as a tool to help you move forward in your writing.

Listen

Many people naturally become defensive when receiving a critique because we want to guard ourselves against harm. That's okay, as long as you learn how to control it. Learn to take in the critique then take a moment to let it process. Accept that you're going to get defensive then silently let that emotion happen. After you've had a moment to let the initial knee-jerk reaction happen, hear the words of the critique. Understand that every critique holds a lesson, so look for the lesson.

Jon - this would be better if you created more scenes. Give the reader more for the imagination.

This critique might leave Jon burnt because he has created a scene that he thinks is perfect. The editor can't see it, though, and needs more detail. Jon has an opportunity to look at his scene again and try to fill in details to give the reader a clearer picture.

Ask Questions and Respond

If there's a chance, ask questions about the critique. You have a chance to grow as a writer - seize it and find out more information. Jon, for example, might ask the editor what details would enhance the scene overall.

Rick - thanks for the critique. What details might work to give the reader more information about my scene? Thanks, Jon.

This is part of the working relationship. When you have a great relationship with your editor, these questions are natural as you work together to perfect your book.

If you don't agree with the critique, you have two options. Ignore it or ask more questions. I have had authors ignore my critiques and that's okay because it's their book to publish. If you choose to ask more questions, just be polite. Authors have disagreed with me before and we've had wonderful conversations that led to resolutions.

Rick - I respectfully decline your suggestion and would like to keep the scene this way.

or

Rick - My target audience is limited to one specific location. They will understand the scene this way. Do you have any suggestions that will enhance the scene for my target audience?

Own It

It's tough to hear that you're not perfect, so own it. Absorb it and try to understand it fully. Take responsibility for it and look for the lesson within. This point hits home with grammar and spelling checks. I have met many intelligent people who just don't get grammar or spelling, and there is nothing wrong with that. That's why I exist as an editor. Simply own that you made a mistake, correct it or discuss it with the editor, and learn from it.

Jon - a semicolon separates one long sentence that could grammatically be two sentences. It never works between sentence fragments.

This is a common mistake and easily fixed. Jon will use this information to improve his future writing, own that he makes this mistake, and become better for knowing about it.

Congratulate Yourself

Remember to always go easy on yourself. Critiques are a chance to discover your pitfalls as a writer, but they are sometimes hard to process. Consider that you just wrote a whole book! Many people wish they could do that and simply don't for a myriad of reasons. You've done it, and you're moving closer to your goal of publishing. Remember your successes when reviewing those critiques.

When you're ready to give your manuscript a once over, contact me and we'll arrange a free sample edit of your first five pages. I can't wait to read what you've created!