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Handling Criticism and Feedback Like a Pro: Tips for Freelance Writers

petkovskamaria

Updated: Jun 9, 2023




Feedback and criticism play a vital role in the journey of a freelance writer, shaping their growth, improving their skills, and refining their craft. As writers, we often invest our heart and soul into our work, and while it can be daunting to receive feedback, it is an invaluable tool for honing our abilities.

Imagine this: A fledgling freelance writer, fueled by passion and enthusiasm, eagerly submits their first article to an editor. Days later, the feedback arrives—a mix of praise, suggestions, and areas for improvement. In that moment, the writer realizes the transformative power of feedback, both positive and constructive. It becomes a compass guiding them towards becoming a better writer.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of handling criticism and feedback as a freelance writer. We will explore the importance of embracing feedback as a catalyst for growth and self-improvement.

Join us on this journey of self-discovery and professional development, as we unlock the potential that lies within the art of receiving feedback.


Understanding the Different Types of Feedback


In the realm of freelance writing, feedback can come in various forms. It is crucial to distinguish between constructive feedback and destructive criticism to navigate the feedback landscape effectively.

Constructive feedback is characterized by its helpful, insightful nature. It focuses on specific aspects of the writing, offering suggestions, pointing out strengths, and providing actionable recommendations for improvement. It aims to empower the writer and foster growth.

On the other hand, destructive criticism tends to be negative, unconstructive, and devoid of any helpful insights. It may attack the writer personally, offer vague or baseless remarks, or simply aim to discourage. Destructive criticism can be detrimental to a writer's confidence and progress if not handled appropriately.

To illustrate the different types of feedback, let's consider a scenario: A writer submits an article to an editor. Constructive feedback would entail the editor highlighting the article's compelling storytelling while offering suggestions to enhance the transitions between paragraphs.

Destructive criticism, however, may consist of harshly dismissing the article without providing any specific reasons or offering ways to improve it.

Imagine you submit a blog post about sustainable living to an editor. Here's an example of constructive feedback you might receive:

"Your blog post on sustainable living is well-researched and engaging. The introduction hooks the reader, and your use of statistics adds credibility. However, it would be beneficial to provide more practical tips for readers to implement sustainable practices in their daily lives. Consider expanding on specific examples or including personal anecdotes to make the content more relatable. Overall, great work, and with these adjustments, the article will be even more impactful."

Now, consider an example of destructive criticism:

"This blog post is awful. Your writing is boring, and the topic is pointless. Waste of time."

While the first example offers specific praise, actionable suggestions, and encouragement, the second example is unhelpful and discouraging. It provides no clear reasons for the negative assessment and fails to offer any guidance for improvement.

It is essential to differentiate between constructive feedback and destructive criticism. By recognizing the value of constructive feedback and disregarding destructive criticism, freelance writers can engage in a more focused and fruitful process of self-improvement.


In the following sections, we will explore strategies for effectively handling both types of feedback, enabling writers to leverage constructive input while shielding themselves from the negative impacts of destructive criticism.


Embracing a Growth Mindset


The concept of a growth mindset is integral to effectively handling criticism and feedback as a freelance writer. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and talents can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning.

It emphasizes that intelligence and skills are not fixed traits but can be cultivated and expanded over time. By adopting a growth mindset, freelance writers can approach criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a judgment of their worth.

Personal experiences and success stories vividly demonstrate the power of a growth mindset in handling criticism. Consider a writer who receives feedback suggesting improvements to their storytelling techniques.

Instead of feeling discouraged or defensive, a writer with a growth mindset views this feedback as a chance to enhance their narrative skills. They embrace the challenge, seek additional resources or guidance, and diligently practice to refine their storytelling abilities. Over time, they witness significant progress and ultimately achieve success.

The growth mindset aligns seamlessly with the freelance writing journey, which is characterized by continuous improvement. As writers, we are constantly learning, adapting, and evolving our craft.

By adopting a growth mindset, we recognize that feedback is not a reflection of our worth as writers, but an invaluable tool for advancing our skills. Embracing a growth mindset allows us to approach feedback with curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

It empowers us to embrace challenges, step out of our comfort zones, and strive for continuous improvement in our writing endeavors.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into strategies for cultivating a growth mindset, exploring how to reflect on emotional reactions, seek clarity in feedback, and harness the transformative power of criticism to propel our freelance writing journey forward.


Responding to Criticism and Feedback

When faced with criticism and feedback, freelance writers often experience a range of initial emotional reactions. These can include defensiveness, self-doubt, frustration, or even a sense of personal attack.

It is crucial to acknowledge these emotions as normal and understandable, considering the personal investment in our work. Common challenges faced include balancing the desire for validation with the need for improvement and navigating the fine line between constructive feedback and destructive criticism.

Let's consider one example to illustrate practical strategies for managing emotions and maintaining objectivity. Sarah, a freelance writer, receives feedback from a client on an article she submitted. The feedback includes several suggestions for restructuring the content and improving the clarity of her arguments. Initially, Sarah feels defensive and questions her writing abilities.

However, she takes a step back and gives herself time to process the feedback. She engages in self-care practices, such as going for a walk and journaling her thoughts, which help her regain perspective and calm her emotions.

By reframing the feedback as an opportunity for growth, she shifts her mindset and approaches the feedback with a renewed sense of objectivity and a commitment to learning and improvement.

In responding to criticism, active listening and seeking clarity are paramount. Sarah actively listens to her client's feedback, suspends judgment, and makes a conscious effort to understand the specific areas that require improvement.


She reaches out to the client for clarification on certain points, asking thoughtful questions to gain a deeper understanding of their expectations. By engaging in active listening and seeking clarity, Sarah demonstrates her commitment to understanding and addressing the feedback in a meaningful way.


Evaluating and Applying Feedback


Evaluating the validity and relevance of feedback is crucial to ensure its effectiveness in shaping our writing. Start by considering the source of the feedback. Is it coming from a trusted editor, a fellow writer, or a target audience member?

Assess the expertise and knowledge of the feedback provider to determine the weight and credibility of their input. Additionally, evaluate whether the feedback aligns with your writing goals and the intended purpose of your piece.

By carefully analyzing the validity and relevance of feedback, you can identify the most valuable insights to incorporate into your writing process.

To gain valuable insights from feedback, look for recurring patterns or themes across multiple feedback sources. Identify common suggestions or areas of improvement that emerge consistently. These patterns can reveal blind spots in your writing or highlight areas where further development is needed.

By recognizing these themes, you can prioritize the changes that have the potential to make the most significant impact on your writing.

Remember to also take note of positive feedback or strengths mentioned consistently, as they can serve as guiding pillars for your writing style.

Implementing changes based on feedback requires an effective and structured approach. Start by creating a list or summary of the key feedback points you wish to address. Prioritize the changes based on their importance and feasibility. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make the implementation process more approachable.

Consider seeking additional resources or guidance if needed, such as writing guides, workshops, or feedback from writing communities. Experiment with different approaches and techniques to incorporate the feedback effectively.

Finally, review and revise your work to ensure the changes align with your writing goals and maintain the integrity of your voice.

By effectively evaluating and applying feedback, freelance writers can refine their writing skills, enhance their storytelling abilities, and deliver impactful content to their audience.



Learning from Criticism and Feedback


Extracting valuable insights and actionable feedback from criticism is key to growth as a freelance writer. One technique is to approach feedback with an open mind, seeking to understand the underlying message rather than focusing solely on the delivery.

Look for specific examples and suggestions that can be applied to your writing. Reflect on the feedback and ask yourself how it aligns with your writing goals and desired outcomes.

By actively engaging with the feedback, you can extract the most valuable insights and turn them into actionable steps for improvement.

Feedback has the power to refine writing skills and enhance your unique style. For instance, if multiple sources mention the need for stronger character development in your fiction writing, you can explore techniques such as creating more nuanced backstories or employing dialogue to bring your characters to life.

Similarly, feedback on clarity and conciseness in non-fiction writing can prompt you to revise sentence structures and streamline your arguments. By incorporating feedback, you can polish your writing, strengthen your storytelling abilities, and develop a distinct voice that resonates with your audience.

Feedback serves as a catalyst for growth and ongoing professional development. Embrace the mindset that every piece of feedback, whether positive or constructive, contributes to your journey as a freelance writer.


Each critique and suggestion provides an opportunity to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of the craft. By actively seeking and learning from feedback, you demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and position yourself for long-term success.


Emphasize the connection between feedback, growth, and ongoing professional development, recognizing that the learning process never truly ends.


Developing a Support System


Seeking support and guidance is essential for freelance writers when navigating the world of criticism and feedback. The freelance writing community provides a valuable network of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of the writing process.

Engaging with this community offers opportunities to share experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement. Having a support system can help writers feel less isolated, boost their confidence, and provide valuable insights and perspectives.

Let's consider another example to illustrate the importance of a support system.

Emily, a freelance writer, joins an online writing community dedicated to providing constructive feedback and support. Within this community, she connects with other writers who are at various stages of their writing journeys.

She actively participates in discussions, shares her work for critique, and offers feedback to fellow writers. Through these interactions, Emily not only receives valuable feedback on her writing but also builds meaningful relationships with other writers who understand the challenges she faces.

The support and encouragement she receives from this community help her stay motivated, navigate criticism more effectively, and continually improve her writing skills.

Online resources and tools can also aid in receiving constructive criticism. For example, Emily discovers a reputable writing critique website where she can submit her work for review by a community of experienced writers. She receives detailed feedback on her writing, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

Additionally, she utilizes writing software that offers suggestions for enhancing her grammar, style, and clarity. These online resources complement the feedback she receives from her writing community, providing her with a comprehensive approach to refining her craft.

Self-Assessment and Continuous Improvement

Self-assessment and reflection play a significant role in the feedback process for freelance writers. Taking the time to evaluate our own work allows us to identify areas for improvement and gain a deeper understanding of our strengths and weaknesses.

It involves critically analyzing our writing, considering the feedback received, and reflecting on how it aligns with our writing goals. By engaging in self-assessment, we can develop a clearer picture of our progress and make informed decisions on how to enhance our skills and refine our craft.

Setting realistic goals for personal growth and development is essential in the journey of continuous improvement. Reflect on the feedback received and identify specific areas that you want to focus on. Set achievable goals that are measurable and time-bound.

For example, if you received feedback on improving your storytelling techniques, a goal could be to incorporate more vivid descriptions and engaging narratives in your next piece. By setting clear goals, you provide yourself with a roadmap for progress and ensure that you're actively working towards enhancing your writing skills.

It's crucial to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way. Recognize that growth and improvement take time, and small steps forward are worth acknowledging. When you receive positive feedback or notice an improvement in your writing, take a moment to appreciate your efforts and the progress you've made.


Celebrate milestones, whether it's completing a challenging project, receiving praise for your work, or successfully implementing feedback. By celebrating your achievements, you foster a positive mindset and fuel your motivation to continue striving for excellence.


Handling Criticism and Feedback Is A Skill


Embracing criticism and feedback has the transformative potential to refine our writing skills, enhance our style, and propel our professional growth. By actively seeking and learning from feedback, we position ourselves for success in the dynamic world of freelance writing.

Now, it's your turn. How will you integrate the insights shared here into your own writing journey? What steps will you take to actively seek and embrace criticism and feedback? Remember, every critique is an opportunity for growth and improvement. Embrace the power of feedback, connect with fellow writers, and embark on a path of continuous learning. Your writing journey awaits.


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© 2023 by Maria Petkovska

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