Reading and responding to reader feedback is a crucial step in the writing process. It allows writers to hone their craft, improve their content, and connect with their audience.
As writers receive feedback on their work, it can be tempting to react emotionally and take the critics personally. However, it is important for writers to separate their feelings from the feedback they receive and understand that they don’t have to act on every suggestion. It is also helpful to look for patterns in the feedback they receive. If a reader consistently points out an issue, it is likely an area that needs improvement and should be addressed.
Additionally, reading and interpreting feedback can be difficult without having the perspective of the whole story or manuscript. Taking the time to read through all of the feedback and evaluate it with distance will help writers understand what issues are most pressing, and how to address them.
Getting feedback can feel daunting, but it is essential to the writing process. In this article, Kathleen Foxx discusses the importance of reader feedback and how to approach it as a writer. She also gives advice on how to find and engage with beta readers and critique partners. By reading and evaluating feedback objectively, it is easier to make changes that will bring the story closer to the finish line or at least to editing.
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