Getting feedback
When to Take or Ignore Writing Feedback
Deciding which feedback to act on can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure if it improves your story or just reflects personal taste. It's a common challenge for writers striving to strengthen their work without losing their voice.
Direct answer
Start by identifying the source of the feedback: is it from someone who understands storytelling and your genre, or from a general reader? Feedback from experienced writers, editors, or a trusted critique group tends to be more actionable. When multiple readers point out the same issue, that's a strong sign it's worth considering. Conversely, if feedback is inconsistent or subjective, weigh it against your vision for the story.
Next, consider whether the feedback aligns with your story’s core goals and themes. If a suggestion enhances character development, plot clarity, or emotional impact without compromising your voice, it’s usually worth exploring. However, if it steers your story away from what feels authentic to you or dilutes your message, it may be better to thank the reader and set it aside.
Finally, give yourself permission to experiment with feedback without committing right away. Try revising a scene or chapter using the suggestions and then step back to evaluate if the changes improve your story. Sometimes, seeing the effect on the page clarifies whether the feedback serves your narrative or not. This iterative process helps you grow as a writer while keeping control over your creative decisions.
What this looks like in practice
Early draft stage
You’ve just completed your first draft and shared it with beta readers.
You try to incorporate every piece of feedback, leading to confusion and frustration.
You learn to prioritize feedback that aligns with your story’s vision and ignore suggestions that don’t fit.
Revision stage
You receive conflicting feedback from critique partners.
You feel stuck, unsure which notes to follow and which to disregard.
You evaluate feedback based on your story’s goals and the credibility of the source, making confident revision choices.
Before querying or publishing
You’re preparing your manuscript for submission and want to polish it effectively.
You stress over every piece of feedback, fearing you might miss important improvements.
You focus on feedback that strengthens key elements of your novel, improving clarity and impact without losing your voice.}],
How Story Salon helps
At Story Salon, we help writers sort through feedback thoughtfully, guiding them to make revision choices that truly strengthen their novels while staying true to their unique voice.