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Professional editing and constructive critique for your OUTLINE, WORK IN PROGRESS, SYNOPSIS, or QUERY LETTER.
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Sometimes our inner critic whispers: Will readers like this? Can I get an agent? Will it sell, or is it destined sink without a ripple?
That moment of anxiety has us gather a few thousand words, take a breath, and hit “Send” or “Print.” There’s the wait, then the reply. The range of feedback might be too harsh or too kind. It can be nitpicky, or maddeningly vague.
How do we make the most of critique, no matter what shape it takes?
Writers’ group feedback stems from individual experiences and often-impressive skillsets. It reflects knowledge and diplomacy, even when the scope is narrow. As you notice what they affirm, and ask yourself why it resonates.
You may hear suggested rephrasing or see line edits that are brought from one member’s perspective. Respect their experience and instincts, even when they diverge. If they avoid structural critique, it surely can be found elsewhere.
The greatest benefit may be found in patterns you hear or see. Consistent praise or repeated questions may reveal deeper truths about your work. It might reveal how the narrative will connect with a broader readership.
You’ll hear back from a person who juggles deadlines, inboxes, and a mountain of manuscripts. The assistant’s response will be brief, literate, and professional. Even that short reply brings the benefit of experience: they’ve read enough to know what captures a reader’s attention and a publisher’s commitment.
It’s possible to take their notes to heart without taking it to extremes. If they highlight a strength, trust it. If they point to a weakness, consider it, but don’t lose your voice in revisions. Their feedback lens has been focused by time and skill, but it’s only one perspective. Their words can sharpen your instincts without derailing your motivation.
Over 94 million writers have uploaded their work for public consideration on platforms like Wattpad. Abundant useful feedback is possible. Just beware: trolls sometimes pounce.
If a troll’s playful comments have scratched something worth considering, take that lightly and suppress the urge to respond. The kibble of truth they offer might be useful, but let the rest go.
That troll’s remarks are its show. Your work-in-progress will be a far superior show as you keep writing with purpose.
Alpha Reader enthusiasm can be acknowledged with gratitude. They will sometimes highlight a specific plot point, character, or line of dialogue. That’s an occasion to take note and let them see that proud smile. You know these kind people, which gives you insight into why they love what they love.
You may avoid wading into applause and fishing for compliments, but a follow-up question could deepen your understanding. Even so, it’s possible to build on the strengths they’ve seen. Their encouragement is fuel as you retain the editorial map. They can lift your spirits while other critique sharpens your craft.
Has your inner critic wandered on set? The wary Director (that’s you!) won’t let it interrupt the production. You can resist the urge to scroll back and, instead, pause for a glance at your outline.
It may be difficult to set uncertainty aside and return to the feelings your characters are experiencing in this moment, but there’s the story. As you look beyond the POV character, you may notice that everyone on your set has an unscripted agenda.
Call an end to the production break and get back to writing that script!
Rubrics are tailored sets of questions that help us read with purpose. They’re not checklists, but prompts that expand the range of insights and suggestions. We consult specific rubrics for 19 of our 20 services. Coaching (a half-hour, writer-led conversation) has no rubric.
In his tech writing work, George created a chest-high stack of unattributed training and computer manuals for Walt Disney World Co and in consulting assignments across the eastern U.S. He also wrote and published fiction and nonfiction books.
George holds a Poynter ACES Editing certificate. He founded and is Editorial Guide at Second Eyes Editorial.
