How to Give Constructive Criticism: Be Specific

When thinking of how to give constructive criticism on a piece of creative writing, it’s important to be specific. Avoid vague comments such as “I don’t like this” or “This isn’t good enough,” and instead focus on exactly what can be improved and why. For example, rather than saying “The plot needs work,” you could suggest ways in which the plot development could be expanded or improved. Perhaps suggest a plot arc for the protagonist or a secondary character. Look for places where tension and conflict can be teased out. Ask specific question about writing stakes. A simple thumbs up or thumbs down will likely be seen as unhelpful, so push yourself harder to be of value to your fellow writer.

How to Give Constructive Criticism: Be Positive

It can be easy for criticism to become negative if you aren't careful, especially if a specific piece of writing is challenging or not very well executed. How to give constructive criticism always involves building up someone as a writer, rather than going right for the jugular and tearing down their confidence. When giving feedback, focus on the positives before mentioning any potential novel problems or areas for improvement, then end on something you admire about the piece as well. You’ll find that it’s not only fun but constructive to find the good, rather than resonating on or snarking about the bad. This will help keep the atmosphere positive and encourage the writer to keep going. The best part of how to give constructive criticism in a writing group or critique group setting is that everyone there is in the same boat. They all know what it’s like to be a writer and face writing rejection. Bring your empathy to the table in these settings.

How to Give Constructive Criticism: Focus On The Writing

When providing feedback, make sure that you focus solely on the writing itself and not other factors that may have influenced your read. For example, don't criticize someone's grammar if they are writing in a language that isn’t native to them—instead offer advice on how they can improve their grammar skills in that language, or recommend resources that you use. Don’t be overly critical of a piece in a genre that you dislike. If you’re not a sci-fi fan, don’t dwell on world-building. Instead, talk about the protagonist’s character arc, without letting your overall impression of the genre dampen your entire read. This will help ensure that the feedback remains focused on improving the writing and story components themselves, rather than offering a biased take.

Without knowing how to give constructive criticism, you’ll have a difficult time building relationships with other writers and helping each other improve. Providing constructive criticism is an important part of helping writers grow in their storytelling craft. By following these tips—being specific, staying positive, and focusing solely on the writing—you can ensure that your feedback is both helpful and encouraging. With a little practice, you can learn how to give constructive criticism that is both effective and meaningful, and which will help your fellow writers reach their full potential.