5 reasons to get feedback on your writing

I admit, I used to feel anxious when I shared my writing with other people. Twelve years of blogging and I still have that moment of pause before I hit publish, where I doubt myself. The feeling is only momentary, of course, and I’ve learnt to accept that it’s part of the writing process. Sadly, it’s a common experience shared by the writing community.

Over the years, I’ve shared my writing in exchange for feedback with friends, my husband, writing groups, critique partners, writing workshops and courses, editors and mentors. I can say that over time it becomes less daunting. And there is so much to gain in your creative writing practice if you are brave enough to ask for feedback.

5 reasons to share your writing with others

In this post, I will share five reasons why you should get feedback on our writing and how it can deepen your creative writing practice.

1. Too close to be objective.

   Feedback is an opportunity to capture the experience of the reader and learn what part of your writing is executed well and what isn’t. As the writer, we become too close to the words and we can no longer see it as an objective reader. That’s where other writers come in handy! Writers are trained to see behind the words to the processes; characterisation, hooks, plot, mood and atmosphere. It’s exciting to learn how something comes together well, while we can also pinpoint the things that aren’t.

   We might think we’ve transferred what is in our head onto the page but when someone else reads it do they get what you’re saying? Are there things you need to clarify?

2. Another perspective.

   Sharing your writing with someone can give you another perspective.

   Have you missed something? Is there another way you can say what you want to say but in a more powerful way?

   You may be given suggestions on how you can improve the reader’s experience such as starting the scene in a new place or reformatting a blog post. There have been so many times when I know a piece isn’t working but I can’t figure out why. When I’ve asked someone to read it, I can then see clearly what isn’t working and how to fix it.
   

3. Improve technique. 

   We all want to become better writers, right? 

   All writers have areas of strength and areas that may need further development. Feedback on my writing has allowed me to focus on an aspect of the craft and improve on it with each revision and draft of whatever I’m working on. Focus areas may be: show don’t tell, characterisation, dialogue, opening and closing a scene, structuring a blog post or specificity in your storytelling. With each new piece you write you may feel like you’re starting all over again, as if you are relearning how to write. This is a common feeling because every piece of writing is unique and may require a different set of techniques or to come at it from a different angle than you may be used to. 
   

4. Self-confidence.

   For many writers, self-doubt or perfectionism get in the way of moving forward and so getting feedback can help you see your work more objectively. It can challenge your negative thoughts, provide reassurance as well as direction for moving forward with a piece. 

5. Practice.

   If the aim is to have your writing published, feedback is inevitable. Editors and publishers want to know that you are someone who is willing to take on feedback and work with their team to create a polished piece of writing. This applies to fiction and non-fiction, from novels to feature articles. The more practice you have at getting your work critiqued, the less personal it becomes. Instead, it becomes an essential part of the writing process. 

So, there you have it. When you get feedback on your writing you get an objective critique, another perspective on your writing, the opportunity to improve your technique, improved self-confidence and practice for the publication process. If you’re ready to get feedback on your writing, the next step is to consider who you would like to critique it.

Who should critique your work? 

Choose who will read your work, wisely. 

Choose someone who will give you objective feedback. Saying, “it’s lovely, well done” isn’t specific enough. This gives you no information about what is working and what is not. Also, someone saying “I didn’t really like it,” is equally unhelpful. As a first step, you may wish to share your writing with your partner or a trusted friend or colleague. This can give you just enough reassurance that the world isn’t going to end if someone reads what you’ve written. 

The next step is to get feedback from someone who knows how to analyse writing. Other writers are a great starting point and you can connect with other writers through writing communities, writing associations, writing groups, writing courses and workshops, mentorships and so on. 

Want feedback on your writing?

If you’d like 1:1 mentoring with your writing, I offer coaching support on blogging and creative fiction and non-fiction. Complete this briefing form and let me know what you’re working on.

If you’re a therapist or helping professional and a writer, then consider joining my Therapist’s Writing Circle. This will be a monthly writing group with like-minded people who will come together to share their writing and engage in facilitated critiquing and workshopping to improve your craft. Find out more here.