Learning to Take Criticism of Your Writing

 

Do you know anyone who revels in being criticized? Doubtful. It's something we all wish we'd never have to face. What about the criticism you receive when you submit your writing to an editor or to a writing group that you joined? We don't like that either but can benefit if we have the right attitude.

If you're fortunate enough to have an editor send a written rejection with an explanation of why your submission was not accepted, you've received something of value. Of course, you hate the rejection itself, but you can learn from what the editor tells you. Sometimes it is only one sentence or phrase, but take a good, hard look at it. How can you benefit from it before you send another submission? 

Sadly, most editors do not give an explanation of why they rejected your work. Their excuse is that they don't have the time to do that on every submission. Possibly, but it is also possible they don't enjoy rejecting your work. Were the situation reversed, I'm sure most of them would appreciate a line or two from an editor. 

Just as important if not more so, is the response you receive from someone in your writing group who has taken time to critique your work. When you look at what he/she sends you, and you see slash marks and many negative comments throughout the text, your first reaction is hurt, then maybe a little anger, and finally, acceptance. Hopefully, you do reach the acceptance stage.

Writers must learn to look at criticism of their writing as a tool for learning to become a better writer. When you join a group where you receive critiques of your work, you are saying that you are open to being told what is wrong with your submission and what you might do to make it better. If you become angry or deeply hurt every time you get a critique that shows you what is needed in your piece, then maybe you're not ready to belong to this kind of group. Sadly, you're also not ready to grow as a writer. Instead, you'll continue to make the same kinds of mistakes and face more rejections than acceptances from editors. That may sound cold, or cruel, but it's the truth as I see it.

I have known writers in groups who have stomped off in anger when their submission did not receive high praise and nothing else. It's what they saw when they read their own work, and it's what they felt they deserved. Writers like that need an attitude adjustment. 

What if you are the person doing the critiquing? I always try to find the positives in the piece I'm critiquing. I point out the places I especially like, sometimes I'll make a short list of the phrases I particularly liked. Some people who critique only highlight the places that need work, leaving an entirely negative overview. It is far better to bring both aspects to light. Those nice comments can help soothe the writer a bit. 

If you look at having your work critiqued, consider it as a help, not a hindrance. Think of it as a way to learn to be a better writer. When I was new to my online group, I started reading the critiques of more than my own work. I read what others had submitted and what was said about their work. I learned a great deal. It was better than reading a reference book or taking a class on critiquing and editing. 

Always remember that you have a personal interest in what you have submitted, whereas the person critiquing has no personal tie to the story or essay. They can look objectively whereas we who wrote whatever it is cannot. Nearly all who critique do not set out to hurt a writer. Their aim is to help.

If you want to be published, it is important to learn to accept criticism and then work to make your writing better.