So, you finally finished that piece of writing you have been working on for days, weeks, or months. This pile of words you’ve painstakingly crafted feel like they have been through the chop shop. These careful sentences have been hacked and slashed and rebuilt. Isn’t editing fun?
Finally though, you feel like your writing is in a good place. So now what? By this point, you may feel so oversaturated with your own words. This is normal; it means it’s time to get a second pair of eyes. And a third. Probably a fourth as well. Really, the more feedback you can get the better. Share it with a friend, but don’t stop there. While friends can provide valuable feedback, it is useful to get a variety of opinions. Try collaborating with colleagues and classmates. Pinpoint those people you know who offer fair and insightful criticism; seek them out.
Talking it Out
It may help to have a discussion with your acting editors and proofreaders before they dive into your work. Lay out what you are hoping to get from this: are you worried about micro issues of grammar and syntax, or are you more concerned with macro ideas relating to overall content? This will require you to do some of your own critical thinking and self-evaluation. Sample questions could include:
- I get carried away and write long sentences. Can you make sure they still make sense and are punctuated? Could you mark any sentences that would benefit from shortening?
- My character does a lot of crazy things. Do they make sense in context with her character or do I need more background into her way of thinking?
- I hate commas. Please let me know if I am under or over using those little devils.
- I want to end my story with a realization, but I’m afraid it comes out of the blue. What could I add to make the transition from the action of the story to the epiphany smoother?
Accept feedback with gratitude and an open mind. It can be difficult accepting criticism on something you crafted, especially if it involves personal experiences or feelings. However, keep in mind that you asked for feedback on your writing. Any critiquing is in response to your writing, not you.
Considering Feedback
Contemplate opinions with care. While you may gain some great ideas for revision or new ideas, you do not have to accept every comment to be true. Your readers’ opinions are subjective. If you find you disagree with something in a comment, consider that opening up a discussion. Start a dialogue with that reader and find out why they disliked something. Brainstorm and be open to revise. However, you ultimately are the author. If you consider a sentence vital and the wording unnegotiable, it just may have to stay. Creative writing can greatly benefit from feedback, but it should remain true to your own style.
An excellent resource for working on creative writing are writing centers like here at DePaul’s University Center for Writing-based Learning (UCWbL). Tutors are trained to help you improve as a writer without influencing your personal style. Similarly to seeking feedback from other sources, it is helpful to come in to the UCWbL with specific concerns or interests to discuss. If they notice other issues, they will likely be willing to point those out as well.
Be prepared to talk about your work!