Handling Constructive Feedback from an Editor

Writing is a vulnerable process. It’s something most of us do by ourselves, and after months or years of poring over a draft, the pages can start to feel like an extension of you as the writer.

It’s no wonder, then, that receiving a lengthy editorial letter filled with constructive criticism is difficult for some authors to swallow. They may perceive negative comments as an attack, even when the editor is delivering feedback that will ultimately improve the story.

As much as rejection stings, it’s an essential part of the creative journey. (As Maya Angelou famously said, “for every accomplishment there [are] twenty rejections.”) That’s why it’s so important to learn how to take constructive feedback and use it to get better, no matter how it hurts your pride.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself for receiving editorial feedback.

Make sure your editor is the right fit

The process of learning how to receive constructive feedback starts long before your editor actually touches the draft. The first step is building a solid foundation based on trust and respect. That means taking the time to find an editor who understands the spirit of your project and wants to see you succeed.

Interview multiple candidates and take full advantage of sample edits, which will give you a sense of an editor’s feedback style and approach. A good editor should point out what you’re doing well, not just what could be improved. Keep in mind that you’re looking for a cheerleader, ally and partner, not an adversary or authority figure. When you sign the contract, you should be confident that the editor you’ve chosen will always offer feedback in good faith.

Practice with beta readers

Ideally, your manuscript should be reviewed by beta readers before moving on to developmental editing. This ensures the book is as polished as possible before it reaches your editor, but it also creates a low-stakes opportunity for you to get used to receiving criticism you may not always agree with. Be specific with your beta readers about the type of feedback you are looking for and try to go into this phase of the process with the mindset that their comments come from a place of good intentions.

You may also find that some of your beta readers offer conflicting opinions or drastically different interpretations of your work. Sifting through these discrepancies can be a good reminder that art is subjective, and you’re never obligated to implement every single suggestion you receive.

Let the feedback simmer

It can be tempting to fire off a long reply detailing everything you disagree with immediately after receiving your editorial letter. But this kind of reactive approach can damage a good working relationship and push you deeper into a spiral of emotions. Feeling immediately defensive or angry about something your editor has said can also be an indication that their point is worthy of further reflection on your part.

Politely thank your editor for their feedback and let them know you’ll need some time to absorb their comments. Then, allow yourself to sit with it for a while. Revision, much like writing, requires time to process, and you may discover that as you think through your editor’s suggestions, you will begin to see how they fit into your vision for the book.

Check your ego

If you still find yourself stewing about the criticism you’ve received, take a moment to dig a little deeper into what you’re feeling. If you’re someone who likes to journal, this can be a good opportunity to write down the emotions you’re experiencing and try to interrogate where they are stemming from.

Is your anger triggered by the ways your editor wants to change the manuscript, or by the feeling of being “wrong” about something? Are you upset because you disagree with the editor’s suggestions, or because you were expecting praise and admiration and didn’t quite get what you were looking for? Does your exasperation mean that the edits are unnecessary, or that you’re overwhelmed by the scope of revisions you might need to make? Try to parse out what relates to a difference in opinion and what relates to insecurity or fear.

Ask questions and do your homework

There are few things more stressful than feeling out of your depth. That’s why reading through an editorial letter filled with unfamiliar terms or ideas that don’t quite click in your brain can make you want to reject it all at face value. But in order to know whether a suggested edit makes sense for your manuscript, you have to fully understand what it means. (It’s pretty hard to argue that your story engine is chugging along well, for example, if you don’t know what a story engine is.)

Reach out to your editor to clarify anything you aren’t sure about and take time to research any concepts, strategies or methods they have referenced in their editorial letter. When it’s on offer, take advantage of post-edit phone or video calls for a chance to talk through their insights in more detail and solidify your next steps. Once you have a clear sense of direction, you can make an informed decision about what to apply and what to ignore.

Advocate for yourself when necessary

You may come to agree with much of the feedback you’ve received, but there will always be situations where you and your editor are still split. If you disagree strongly with something your editor has suggested, you’re within your rights to advocate for your position as long as you do so respectfully and professionally. A good editor recognizes that the final call around what to change and what to keep is up to you, especially if you are self-publishing as an indie author.

There’s also a difference between constructive feedback offered alongside actionable advice and harsh criticism that tears your work down without showing you a way forward. When you feel you have been treated unfairly, reach out to trusted friends or colleagues to get their take on the editor’s response to your work. If they agree that the editor was out of line, you should not feel any obligation to implement the editor’s suggestions. Usually, this means that the editor was unfortunately not the right fit for you or your project.

Above all, keep things in perspective

At the end of the day, the key to handling constructive criticism with grace is remembering that there is always room for improvement. No one — not even the most successful commercial authors — can spit out a perfect, publication-ready manuscript on the first try. So when you receive a draft filled with comments or an editorial letter as long as your arm, don’t think of it as a failure. Instead, think of it as being one step closer to producing the best book you possibly can.

That’s the thing worth focusing on: you’re on your way.