By Ream Team
Criticism is an inevitable part of being a creator—whether it’s feedback on your writing, a less-than-glowing review, or unsolicited opinions online. While it can sting, handling criticism constructively is a skill that can help you grow as a writer and strengthen your resilience. Here’s how to process and use criticism to your advantage:
1. Take a Moment to Breathe
Your initial reaction to criticism might be emotional, especially if it feels unfair or harsh. Before responding or dwelling on it:
Step away for a bit to process your feelings.
Remind yourself that criticism is about the work, not you as a person.
Pro Tip: Give yourself time to cool off before engaging or analyzing the feedback.
2. Separate Constructive Feedback From Negativity
Not all criticism is helpful. Learn to distinguish between constructive feedback (meant to help you improve) and unproductive negativity (intended to hurt or provoke).
Constructive Feedback: “I struggled to connect with the protagonist because their motivations weren’t clear.”
Negativity or Trolling: “This book is trash. Don’t quit your day job.”
What to Do:
Focus on actionable feedback.
Ignore or block outright trolls or toxic comments—don’t give them your energy.
3. Look for Patterns
A single critique might be subjective, but repeated feedback on the same issue could signal an area for improvement. For example:
If multiple readers mention pacing issues, it might be worth revisiting your plot structure.
If readers consistently struggle with a character, it could be time to dig deeper into their development.
Pro Tip: Pay closer attention to critiques from your target audience. Their feedback is usually the most relevant.
4. Ask Questions for Clarity
If the feedback comes from a trusted source (like an editor, beta reader, or critique partner), don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions to understand their perspective.
Examples:
“Can you elaborate on what felt off about the dialogue?”
“Which parts of the story dragged for you?”
Why It Helps: Clearer feedback makes it easier to identify actionable changes.
5. Avoid Taking It Personally
Your work is a reflection of your creativity, but it’s not a reflection of your worth. Criticism of your writing doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer—or a bad person.
Mindset Shift: Feedback is about the work, not you. Use it as a tool to grow rather than a judgment of your abilities.
6. Balance Feedback With Your Vision
While feedback is valuable, remember that you’re the creator. Not all suggestions need to be implemented. Ask yourself:
Does this align with the story I want to tell?
Will this change improve the experience for my readers?
Pro Tip: Trust your instincts. You don’t have to compromise your vision just to appease every critique.
7. Use Criticism as a Learning Opportunity
Every piece of feedback, even if it’s poorly delivered, has the potential to teach you something:
Look for underlying truths, even in clumsy or harsh critiques.
Treat the process as an opportunity to refine your craft.
Example: A harsh review might lead you to notice a plot hole you hadn’t seen before.
8. Set Boundaries for Feedback
Not all criticism is necessary or helpful, so it’s okay to limit how much you expose yourself to:
Avoid reading every review of your book (especially on platforms like Goodreads, where opinions can be raw).
Choose a small circle of trusted beta readers or critique partners for early feedback.
Pro Tip: Give specific guidelines to beta readers. For example, ask them to focus on pacing, character arcs, or other areas where you want help.
9. Respond (or Don’t) Thoughtfully
If you choose to respond to criticism, be professional and open-minded. Thank the person for their feedback and consider their points without becoming defensive.
Example Response: “Thank you for your thoughtful feedback—I appreciate your perspective and will keep it in mind as I continue refining my work.”
Pro Tip: Avoid responding to negative reviews publicly. It rarely ends well and can harm your reputation.
10. Celebrate Growth
Over time, you’ll see how constructive criticism helps you improve. Celebrate your progress and remember that every successful creator has faced critiques—what sets them apart is how they used it to grow.
Final Thoughts
Criticism is part of the creative process, and while it’s not always easy to hear, it can be a powerful tool for growth. Approach it with an open mind, take what’s useful, and let the rest go. Remember, even the most celebrated authors face criticism—it’s how you handle it that matters.
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