How to Make Feedback Sessions Great

The blank page stares, the cursor blinks, and then, a torrent of words. You’ve wrestled ideas into paragraphs, polished sentences, and finally, crafted a piece you believe in. But the writing journey doesn’t end with “the end.” It pivots to a crucial, often daunting, phase: feedback. For writers, feedback isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a lifeline, a compass guiding us toward stronger, more resonant work. Yet, feedback sessions—whether one-on-one or in a group—can feel like navigating a minefield. They can be vague, unhelpful, or even emotionally draining. This isn’t just about giving and receiving notes; it’s about fostering growth, building resilience, and ultimately, producing exceptional writing. This definitive guide will equip you with the strategies to transform feedback sessions from a necessary evil into a powerful catalyst for your writing success.

The Foundation: Mindset Matters Most

Before a single word of feedback is exchanged, the groundwork must be laid in the mind. Both the giver and receiver must approach the session with intentionality and a shared understanding of its purpose. Without this crucial mental preparation, even the most well-intentioned feedback can fall flat.

For the Feedback Giver: The Architect of Insight

You are not merely a critic; you are an architect, helping to build a stronger structure. Your role is to illuminate pathways, not just point out cracks.

• Embrace the “Reader, Not Editor” Persona: Your primary goal is to articulate your reader experience. How did the piece make you feel? Where did you get confused? What questions arose? This is more valuable than line-editing for grammar (unless specifically requested). Focus on the larger impact.
  • Example: Instead of, “This sentence is clunky,” try, “I paused at this sentence. It felt like I had to reread it to understand the full meaning, interrupting the flow of the description.”
• Discern Intent vs. Impact: Before offering a suggestion, try to understand what the writer was trying to achieve. Then, articulate the actual impact the writing had on you. The gap between these two points is often where the most valuable feedback lies.
  • Example: “It seemed like you were building suspense here, but I actually felt a bit lost because of the rapid scene changes. My sense of dread didn’t quite land.”
• Focus on the “Why”: Don’t just say what’s wrong; explain why it’s problematic for you as a reader. This provides context and actionable insight for the writer.
  • Example: Instead of, “The dialogue here is weak,” say, “The dialogue felt a bit generic to me. I wasn’t getting a strong sense of character voice, which made it hard to distinguish who was speaking without looking at the speaker tags.”
• Prioritize and Limit: Overwhelm is the enemy of useful feedback. Identify the 2-3 biggest, most impactful areas for improvement. A massive list of minor issues can be demoralizing and unproductive. Focus on structural, character, plot, or thematic issues before getting into comma splices.
  • Example: “If I were to pick the top two things to focus on for a second draft, I’d suggest deepening the protagonist’s motivation and clarifying the stakes of the central conflict.”
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Prompt the writer to articulate their own thoughts and problem-solve. This fosters a collaborative environment and helps them own the revision process.
  • Example: “What were you hoping the reader would take away from this scene?” “How do you see this character evolving later in the story?” “If you were to sum up the core message in one sentence, what would it be?”

For the Feedback Receiver: The Alchemist of Growth

You are not merely a recipient of criticism; you are an alchemist, transforming raw notes into refined gold. Your role is to listen, discern, and distill.

• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Understand that feedback is not personal criticism of you, but an objective assessment of your work. Your manuscript is a separate entity. This detachment is crucial for emotional resilience.
  • Example: When a comment feels jarring, mentally reframe it: “This note isn’t about my worth, it’s about a specific passage. How can I use it to improve that passage?”
• Listen to Understand, Not to Defend: Your immediate instinct might be to explain your choices. Resist it. Listen fully to what the feedback giver is saying, even if it feels uncomfortable. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
  • Example: Instead of, “Well, I actually meant for her to be confused there,” try, “Could you elaborate on why that particular choice created confusion for you?”
• Identify Patterns: If multiple readers highlight the same issue, even if they articulate it differently, it’s a strong signal that there’s a fundamental problem. Don’t dismiss a recurring note just because you don’t like it.
  • Example: If three people say the beginning is slow, even if one says “needs hook,” another “too much exposition,” and a third “didn’t grab me,” the overarching feedback is clear: re-evaluate the opening’s pacing.
• Separate the “What” from the “How”: Focus on what the problem is, not necessarily how the feedback giver suggests fixing it. They’re identifying a symptom; you’re the one who needs to diagnose and cure the underlying disease. Their suggested “cure” might not be the right fit for your story.
  • Example: A reader might say, “Add another character here to explain the magic system.” Your takeaway shouldn’t be “add another character.” It should be, “The magic system isn’t clear enough.” You then decide if adding a character is the best solution or if there’s a more organic way.
• Be Proactive with Questions: Before the session, consider what you’re struggling with. Target your feedback requests. This demonstrates preparedness and directs the session effectively.
  • Example: “I’m particularly worried about the pacing in chapter three. Did it drag for you?” “Are the characters’ motivations clear in this climax?”

The Setup: Orchestrating Success

A great feedback session doesn’t happen by accident; it’s meticulously planned. The logistics and structure prime both parties for productive engagement.

Before the Session: Precision and Preparation

• Define the Scope: What kind of feedback do you need? First draft feedback looks different from late-stage polishing. Communicate this clearly to your reader. Are you looking for big-picture plot issues, character arcs, pacing, or does it need a more granular look at prose and dialogue?
  • Example (for writer requesting feedback): “This is a first draft, so I’m really looking for feedback on character consistency and whether the plot points make sense. I’m less concerned with line edits right now.”
  • Example (for feedback giver): “I’ve read your note. I’ll focus my feedback on the overall plot arc and character development, as you requested.”
• Provide Context (Briefly): A short, objective summary of the piece, your intentions, and specific areas of concern can guide the reader. Avoid pre-justifying choices or setting up expectations too heavily.
  • Example: “This is a 5,000-word short story about a detective solving a crime in a futuristic city. My biggest questions are around whether the detective’s emotional arc feels earned and if the ending is satisfying.”
• Send the Manuscript Cleanly and Early: Format your work clearly (page numbers, standard font, double-spaced). Send it with ample time for the reader to absorb it completely, not just skim it.
• Agree on Format: Will it be in-person, a video call, or written comments? A pre-agreed format reduces friction. In-person or video calls allow for nuance and immediate clarification. Written comments offer time for reflection.
  • Example: “Would you prefer to discuss this over a 30-minute call, or are written notes more convenient for you?”

During the Session: Facilitating Flow

Whether one-on-one or in a group, the flow of the session is critical for maximizing its value.

• Start with Positives (Giver): Begin by highlighting what worked well. This sets a positive tone, acknowledges the effort, and makes the writer more receptive to constructive criticism.
  • Example: “I really enjoyed the world-building in this piece; the descriptions were vivid and transported me. Your dialogue was also snappy and kept me engaged.”
• The “Feedback Sandwich” (Advanced Use): While often oversimplified, the core idea is valid: positive observation, constructive critique, supportive closing. Avoid generic sugar-coating. Focus on genuine strengths and genuine areas for growth.
  • Example: “Your opening hook was powerful and immediately drew me in (positive). However, I felt the pacing slowed considerably in the middle chapter, making it difficult to maintain that initial engagement (critique). But I’m excited to see how you might pick up the energy there, as the core concept is so compelling (supportive closing).”
• The “Writer Asks First” (Receiver): If in a live session, after initial general impressions, it can be incredibly powerful for the writer to ask their pre-prepared questions first. This ensures their most pressing concerns are addressed. It also shows a proactive approach.
  • Example: “Thank you for those initial thoughts. I’m wondering if the magical system was clear enough, and if the main character’s internal conflict resonated?”
• Take Notes (Receiver): Don’t rely on memory. Jot down key points, specific phrases, and actionable insights. Don’t worry about trying to explain or defend; just capture the data.
  • Actionable Advice: Have a dedicated notebook or document. Use bullet points. If you understand the note perfectly, just write it down. If you need clarification, note that too.
• Embrace Silence (Both): Don’t feel the need to fill every pause. The writer may be processing. The giver may be formulating their thoughts. Give space for reflection.
• Focus on the Work (Both): Steer conversations back to the text if they veer into personal territory or assumptions about the writer’s intent. The shared reference point is always the manuscript.
  • Example: If the conversation drifts to the writer’s personal life, bring it back: “Let’s bring this back to the scene in chapter 4. You had a specific question about the pacing there.”

The Specifics: Anatomy of Actionable Feedback

Fluff and platitudes are useless. Great feedback is precise, actionable, and tied directly to the text.

Categories of Impactful Feedback

• Clarity: Is the meaning unambiguous? Are there confusing sentences, character motivations, or plot points?
  • Example (Giver): “I wasn’t sure if the protagonist consciously made the decision to sabotage the mission, or if it was an accidental outcome. That ambiguity made it hard to track their true intentions.”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Go back and review key decision points for the protagonist. Can their motivations be clearer? Should the “accident” be more clearly an intentional choice?
• Pacing: Does the story flow effectively? Are there sections that drag, or moments that rush by too quickly?
  • Example (Giver): “The first three pages felt very dense, describing the history of the city. I found myself skimming to get to the action, which felt like it began on page four.”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Re-evaluate the opening. Can some of the historical exposition be woven in later, through dialogue or action, rather than presented upfront?
• Character Development: Are the characters believable, relatable, and evolving? Do their actions align with their personality? Are their motivations clear?
  • Example (Giver): “I understand the antagonist is supposed to be ruthless, but her sudden moment of empathy felt unearned. It didn’t align with her previous behavior, which jarred me out of the story.”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Either cut the empathetic moment, or plant earlier seeds that show a hidden softer side, even if it’s brief. Ensure the antagonist’s actions are consistent with their established traits.
• Plot & Structure: Does the story have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Are the stakes clear? Does the conflict escalate effectively? Is the ending satisfying?
  • Example (Giver): “The inciting incident felt a little weak. I didn’t fully understand why the protagonist had to undertake this journey; it felt more like a suggestion than a dire necessity.”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Bolster the inciting incident. Increase the stakes. Make the protagonist’s reason for embarking on the journey undeniable.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Are emotions, actions, and settings conveyed through sensory details and character behavior, rather than explicit statements?
  • Example (Giver): “You told me the character was ‘scared,’ but I didn’t feel their fear. What were their physical reactions? What were their thoughts?”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Instead of “she was scared,” write: “Her breath hitched. A cold sweat slicked her palms, and her vision narrowed to the flickering light ahead.”
• Voice & Tone: Is the narrative voice consistent and appropriate for the story? Does the tone convey the intended mood (humorous, dark, mysterious, etc.)?
  • Example (Giver): “The tone shifts dramatically in chapter five. It went from a gritty, noir detective story to something that felt almost whimsical, which was disorienting.”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Examine chapter five closely. Identify where the tonal shift occurs and why. Realign the language, descriptions, and character reactions to maintain consistency.
• Prose & Readability (LATER STAGES): At later stages, feedback can delve into sentence structure, word choice, rhythm, and clarity at the line level.
  • Example (Giver): “Many sentences in this paragraph were very long and contained multiple clauses, making them hard to parse quickly. Could some be broken up?”
  • Example (Receiver Action): Review the paragraph, identifying overly complex sentences. Break longer sentences into shorter, punchier ones where appropriate, improving readability.

The Power of “I” Statements (Giver)

When giving feedback, frame your observations as your personal reader experience. This avoids accusations and keeps the discussion focused on the work’s impact.

• Example: Instead of “This is confusing,” say, “I found this section confusing because I wasn’t sure who was speaking.”
• Example: Instead of “Your climax falls flat,” say, “I felt a sense of anti-climax at the end; I was expecting a higher emotional payoff given what came before.”

The Follow-Through: Maximizing the Gain

The feedback session itself is just one step. The true transformation happens in the quiet reflection and purposeful revision that follows.

For the Feedback Receiver: The Art of Digestion

• Don’t Revise Immediately: Give yourself space. Let the feedback marinate. Your initial emotional reaction (defense, frustration) will recede, allowing logic and objectivity to emerge.
• Consolidate and Prioritize: Review all your notes. Group similar comments. Identify the recurring themes. These are your undeniable priorities. Which 2-3 issues, if resolved, would have the biggest impact on the manuscript?
• Create an Action Plan: For each identified priority, brainstorm potential solutions. Don’t just list the problem; list tangible steps you can take.
  • Example:
    • Problem: “Beginning is too slow/too much exposition.”
    • Action Plan: “Identify opening pages. Cut historical overview. Weave in details through character action. Consider starting in media res and revealing context later. Brainstorm a more immediate hook.”
• Don’t Implement Every Suggestion: Remember, feedback is data, not dictates. Not every piece of advice will be right for your vision. Discern what resonates and aligns with your story’s core. Your authorial voice and vision must remain paramount.
  • Rule of Thumb: If 2 or more people independently suggest the same problem, it’s almost certainly a problem. If they suggest the same solution, consider it. If they suggest different solutions to the same problem, identify the problem and find your solution.
• Re-read with Fresh Eyes: After a break, re-read your manuscript specifically looking for the issues identified in feedback. This focused reading can reveal surprising connections and solutions.

For the Feedback Giver: The Final Act of Support

• Offer Ongoing Support (If Applicable): If you’ve established a relationship, offer to read the revised draft or be available for quick questions. This reinforces your commitment to their success.
• Respect Boundaries: Don’t nag or demand updates. Acknowledge the writer’s autonomy in their revision process.

Group Feedback Sessions: Amplifying Insights

Group feedback, whether in a writers’ workshop or a critique circle, offers a unique dynamic. It provides multiple perspectives, but also requires stronger facilitation to remain productive.

Setting the Stage for Groups

• Clear Protocols: Establish ground rules:
  • Focus on the Work: No personal attacks.
  • “I” Statements: Encourage framing feedback as personal reader experience.
  • No Interruption (for writer receiving feedback): The writer listens silently while feedback is given.
  • Time Limits: Allocate specific time to each piece and each commenter.
  • Specific Focus: Agree beforehand on what kind of feedback each piece needs (e.g., plot, character, theme).
• Designated Facilitator: One person (or a rotating role) is crucial to keep the discussion on track, manage time, politely interrupt tangents, and ensure all voices are heard.
• Written Feedback First: Encourage members to bring written notes. This ensures thoroughness, provides a record, and prevents rambling. It also means the writer has notes to take home, even if they miss something during the verbal discussion.

Dynamic Management in Groups

• Round Robin First Impressions: Go around the room, allowing each person to give a 60-second “top-line” impression (1 positive, 1 area for growth). This ensures everyone speaks early and sets a tone of balanced feedback.
• Focused Discussion: After initial impressions, the facilitator directs the conversation to specific areas, or the writer asks their prepared questions.
• Encourage Diverse Perspectives: If everyone is agreeing, gently probe for alternative viewpoints: “Does anyone see this a different way?” “What other interpretations are there?”
• Protect the Writer: The facilitator must ensure the writer isn’t overwhelmed or put on the defensive. Remind the group of the “no interruption” rule for the writer until all feedback is given.
• Writer’s Turn to Speak (LAST): Only after all feedback has been offered does the writer speak. Their role is to ask clarifying questions, not to defend.
  • Example: “I heard three people mention the ending felt rushed. Could someone elaborate on what specific parts felt rushed to them?”

Conclusion: The Iterative Loop of Mastery

Making feedback sessions great isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a continuous commitment to clear communication, active listening, and a shared pursuit of excellence. For writers, these sessions are a forge where raw ideas are hammered into shape, refined by the heat of honest critique and the skill of revision. By mastering the art of both giving and receiving feedback, you transform a potentially challenging experience into an indispensable tool for growth, propelling your writing from good to truly great. Embrace the process, for it is through this iterative loop of creation, critique, and revision that true mastery is forged.