Knowing how to accept feedback isn’t always easy but it’s all part of the writing process.
Watch my video below, or read the transcript, to find out why receiving feedback doesn’t have to be scary.
Hello my lovely writers!
Unless it’s your first time here, you’ll know I’m a fiction writer who writes psychological thrillers. I’m also an Author Accelerator Certified Coach who specialises in helping first-time writers write their debut novel, which is something I love doing as I get to be in on the ground with some amazing new voices coming through.
I’m currently writing another book, which will be released later this year. I’ve been getting some feedback on my ARC review copies and have been told there’s a bit in my storyline I need to tweak.
I wasn’t sure what to do.
Do I take it to heart what people were saying or do I say, no, I’m going to leave the book as it is? Do I make those revisions? Do I not? Do I draw a line under the sand? What do I do?
How to accept feedback on your writing
Another few days rolled by and it reminded me it’s so necessary to take a moment when we get given feedback, both good and bad. We need to take a moment to reflect on the feedback and think, okay, do I agree with what that person said? Can I see where their comments might have some merit? Or do I not agree and don’t think they’re right about this?
Being given feedback on my writing has been good for me. I had a chance to reflect, I had a chance to talk to my coach about it and think about whether I want to make these changes or not and, do you know what? I have made some changes and was very pleased to find out those tweaks were easier to make than I had anticipated.
I wanted to share with you that, if you’re not yet at the point where you’re getting people feeding back on your work, this is part of the writing journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re an indie author or if you’re traditionally published, at some stage your book is going to be reviewed, either by reviewers, the general public or possibly even peer reviewed. It might be reviewed by other writers in your genre or writers who share the same publisher or agent as you.
It’s all part of the process
But at some stage, your book is going to get read before it goes on general release so you and the publisher, if you have one, can receive feedback on what’s working, what’s not working, and if there is anything that needs a last minute tweak or change.
I spoke to a student the other day about how, just when we think we’ve finished the story, just when we think we’ve done all we can do with it, there’s always a bit of room for improvement. Receiving feedback from others is when we get to know what feedback is needed, how much is needed but we also learn not to panic and over-worry about receiving feedback.
If you are at that stage, take comfort. I want you to take comfort from my experience and know that getting feedback and knowing how to accept feedback is all part of the process.
Emma xx
Emma Dhesi
Emma Dhesi is a Certified Author Accelerator Book Coach and bestselling author who helps writers let go of perfectionism, self-doubt and writer's block through her signature programme, Unlock Your Creative Block.
She is the host of the YouTube Channel, Emma Dhesi, where she interviews debut and experienced authors alike.
Through her 1:1 coaching programme, Emma helps new authors start and finish their first novel.
Emma provides personal written feedback on their pages and guides them through the emotional rollercoaster that is writing a novel!
