Understanding Feedback as an Aspiring Writer

Story Marc
Feb 9
4 min read

As an aspiring writer, feedback can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s exciting to hear what others think about your work. On the other, criticism—even when constructive—can sting, especially when you’re just starting and your confidence is still fragile. But here’s the truth: feedback is one of the most valuable tools in your growth as a writer, if you learn how to use it effectively. Let’s break down what feedback means for aspiring writers and how to build a healthy relationship with it.

Why Feedback Feels Intimidating

When you’re in the aspiring writer stage, feedback can feel deeply personal. Your writing often feels like an extension of yourself, and criticism might seem like an attack on your abilities or creativity. But the key to managing this is understanding a simple truth:

Your writing is not you.

Feedback is about the work, not the writer. It’s a tool to help you improve, not a judgment of your potential. This distinction is crucial for maintaining confidence and staying open to constructive criticism.

What Aspiring Writers Need from Feedback

As an aspiring writer, the kind of feedback you need is different from what more advanced writers might seek. Here’s what will help you the most:

Encouragement: You’re in the early stages of your journey, so positive reinforcement is vital. Look for readers who can point out what you’re doing well.
Broad Observations: Instead of nitpicking small details, focus on big-picture elements like:
- Does the story make sense?
- Are the characters interesting?
- Does the writing evoke emotion?
Actionable Suggestions: Vague comments like “It’s good” or “This didn’t work” aren’t helpful. You need specific, actionable feedback, such as:
- “I loved your character’s voice in this scene.”
- “The ending felt rushed; maybe add more detail about how the conflict resolves.”
A Safe Environment: Share your work with people you trust to be honest but kind. Criticism that’s overly harsh or dismissive can shut you down before you’ve had a chance to grow.

Common Feedback Challenges for Aspiring Writers

Even with the best intentions, feedback can sometimes feel overwhelming or confusing. Here’s how to navigate common challenges:

Too Much Feedback: When everyone has an opinion, it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. Remember, you don’t have to act on every piece of advice. Learn to filter feedback and focus on what aligns with your vision.
Conflicting Feedback: One reader loves your opening scene; another thinks it needs to be rewritten. When this happens, trust your instincts. Use feedback as a guide, not a rulebook.
Taking It Personally: It’s normal to feel a sting when someone critiques your work, but try to separate your emotions from the critique. Take a step back, let the feedback settle, and revisit it with a clear head.

How to Approach Feedback as an Aspiring Writer

Here are some strategies to make feedback work for you:

Set Clear Expectations: When asking for feedback, let readers know what you’re looking for. For example:
- “I’m still working on this, so I’m looking for general impressions.”
- “I’m struggling with dialogue—any thoughts on that?”
Ask Questions: If feedback feels vague or unclear, don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions. For example:
- “You mentioned the pacing felt off. Can you point to where it started to drag?”
Focus on Patterns: If multiple people point out the same issue, pay attention. Patterns in feedback are often a sign of something worth addressing.
Take Time to Process: Don’t feel pressured to respond to feedback immediately. Give yourself time to absorb it, reflect, and decide what changes (if any) you want to make.
Celebrate Your Wins: Feedback isn’t just about finding flaws. Take time to acknowledge the positive comments and let them fuel your motivation.

When to Seek Feedback

Not every draft is ready for feedback. Here’s when to share your work:

Early Drafts: If you’re unsure about your idea or need help identifying major weaknesses, share your work with trusted friends or mentors.
Later Drafts: Once you’ve polished your draft to the best of your ability, feedback can help you fine-tune and catch things you’ve missed.

Avoid seeking feedback too early if you’re still fleshing out your ideas. Sometimes, the act of writing is about discovering the story for yourself.

The Long-Term Benefits of Feedback

Building a healthy relationship with feedback early on will serve you throughout your writing journey. It helps you:

Develop Resilience: Over time, you’ll learn to see feedback as a tool, not a threat.
Refine Your Craft: Feedback shines a light on blind spots, helping you grow faster.
Connect with Readers: Understanding how others perceive your work bridges the gap between your intentions and their experience.

Closing Thoughts

As an aspiring writer, feedback is your training ground. It’s where you test ideas, sharpen your skills, and learn to separate the gold from the dross. But most importantly, it’s where you start to see that writing isn’t just about you—it’s about creating something that resonates with others.

So embrace the learning curve, seek out feedback with an open mind, and remember: every great writer started where you are now. The only way forward is to keep writing.