Criticism 101

Criticism. If any writing piece of yours gets noticed by enough people, it's something you're doubtless going to face, and it's not always easy to hear, especially under certain circumstances. In this week's article, I'll be discussing the two different types of criticism, how to be a polite critic yourself, and even how to receive criticism - both good and bad - with grace. Buckle up - this article is a bit wordy.

Receiving Constructive Criticism

Constructive criticism is what we should all want to hear. It's how our writing grows, after all! It's how we better and even perfect our stories. It's a process that any published author has to first go through before their books can begin making profits.

Constructive criticism can still be difficult to deal with, though, especially on pieces of writing that you are particularly proud of. You may think things like, "They don't know what they're talking about," or "They just don't understand what I was trying to say." Well, chances are, if it's true constructive criticism, they do know what they're talking about - at least, in part. And if they didn't understand what you were attempting to say, perhaps that's a sign to consider changing how you say it.

I think everyone starts out on their writing journey having a problem with criticism of any kind, whether or not they want to admit it. Even if you know that constructive criticism can help you, that doesn't mean it's very welcome information to hear! This type of criticism, however, is a necessary part of being a writer, so it's important to know how to receive it.

If you read a comment containing constructive criticism and immediately go, "No way. I won't change that about my story," just take a deep breath, put an analytical filter over your mind rather than an emotional one, and reread it. Think, "Could this actually make my book better?" After all, it takes a village to raise a child, and the same goes for a story. You'll have to receive the help of other people at some point if you ever want your writing to be the best it can be. Now, if you go through this process - calm down, reread, and analyze - and still decide that the suggestion wouldn't help your book, that's your choice. You are the creator, after all - you hold the ultimate veto power.

No matter how you feel or what you decide about the constructive criticism, always respond to it politely. If it's an interesting idea, but you don't plan to use it, all you need to comment is something simple, like, "Cool idea!" You don't need to pretend you're going to use it, but you don't need to outright tell them that you don't plan to use it, either. A huge part of any popular piece of work is its fan-base, and what kind of author would discourage creativity in their readers?

If you're going to use their suggestion, though, make sure to tell them, and thank them for the idea! This can show that you're a kind author who pays attention to the ideas of your reader, and genuinely nice people are likely to get more attention than authors who act like they're above their readers.

Giving Constructive Criticism

Many readers will simply praise a book despite any flaws that they might see with the writing or plot. While you could think this is making you seem like a kinder person, in fact, it is hurting the author and they don't even know it! What if they used the revision you have in mind and started getting more readers because of it? I'm sure they'd be more grateful to you and happier with their writing!

That doesn't mean you should just comment what they should change and leave. Giving constructive criticism, especially to a stranger who you've never met in real life, can be difficult and risky. But there is a way to delicately leave criticism and not come off as rude or condescending.

First off, start your comment with what you liked about the book! Don't overdo it, but mention something that you loved or were able to relate to. Things that tend to make authors incredibly happy are compliments to their writing style, character development, or unique plot points.

After giving them a compliment, follow it up with a transition sentence starter like, "I think it would be cool if..." You're pretending that you don't really expect them to incorporate your idea into the book, which takes a lot of pressure off of them. You come across as someone who simply loves the book so much that they think about how it could be even better in their spare time. I recently got a PM suggestion like this - in fact, it was from my last guest author, @Allura_3 - and because she used a format similar to the one I've shared above, I considered incorporating her edit and have decided that I'm going to do so!

(It's for So Actually, I'm Not Okay, and whoo boy, is it mean. Prepare yourselves.)

Receiving rude criticism

Constructive criticism is all well and good - but when rude critics start invading your story, things can get a little hairy, to say the least. It's important, however, to show that you are the more mature person by taking the comments with grace...or a bit of bite, depending on what you prefer. Let's explore the different ways to respond to these types of comments, shall we?

Let's pretend that someone commented this on one of your stories, one that you've poured hours into, one that you think about even when you're not writing it, one that has the types of characters most people would want to befriend in real life: "This story is crap. I could write better in my sleep."

First, there's the sugary sweet approach: "I'm sorry you feel that way :( I would prefer nothing but constructive criticism, though, so please refrain from leaving unhelpful comments!" Not only will you tick them off by not sinking to their level, you never know - maybe you could make them feel guilty for commenting such horrible things in the first place!

Next, there's the serious response: "If you don't like my book, don't read it. Please leave and take your negativity elsewhere." While this might make them come back with a passion, seeing how they've upset you, at least you've shown other potential trollers that you are a force to be reckoned with! You may have also gained respect from readers who see that you won't let spineless internet hecklers walk all over you.

Finally, there's the sassy response: "Hello! I would just like to thank you for taking the time to read my story and therefore increase its reads and popularity. Readers like you are what help me be successful!" (I'm not very good with sass, but you get the idea.) Not only is this statement 100% true, but it also puts up the front that you do not care at all what they think about your story, and this flippancy can even go so far as to attract readers who like or relate to your sarcastic side :)

Remember, never respond to mean with mean. Fighting fire with fire might work in other cases, but not this one (and not even when fighting an actual fire, come to think of it). Don't be rude back to the troll. Show that you are the bigger person and you will earn respect from everyone who reads that comment thread in the future!

Giving rude criticism

Don't. Just...don't.

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Did I miss another type of criticism? Have you thought of different ways to receive and give constructive criticism? If so, do not hesitate to contact me - the ways to do so are scattered throughout this very blog!

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great week - completely hater-free, of course!