How to Give Positive, Helpful Feedback at a Writing Meeting
Pennwriters’ feedback meetings are one of the most valuable parts of the creative process. They offer fresh eyes, new perspectives, and the encouragement we often need to keep going. But the quality of a writer’s growth depends heavily on the quality of the feedback they receive.
Too often, critique can drift into “slash-and-burn." This method focuses on everything that’s wrong, delivered in a way that overshadows what’s working. While clear, honest critique is important, it’s even more important to give feedback that’s supportive, specific, and empowering.
Here’s how to offer feedback that helps fellow writers grow without dimming their creative spark.
1. Start With What’s Working
Positive feedback isn’t just about being nice. It’s about being accurate. Every draft, no matter how early, has strengths. Identify them.
- Did a character feel vivid?
- Did a line strike you as particularly beautiful or funny?
- Did the pacing keep you turning the pages?
- Was there a theme or emotion that resonated?
Pointing out strengths helps the writer understand what to keep and build on. It also sets the tone for a supportive conversation where they’re more open to hearing suggestions.
2. Focus on the Reader Experience
Instead of telling a writer what they “did wrong,” share how the writing made you feel as a reader.
Try phrasing suggestions like:
- “I was a little confused at this point, and I’d love more clarity.”
- “I wanted to linger in this moment or maybe expanding the description would help?”
- “This character intrigued me, and I’d love to see more of their motivations.”
This shifts the critique from judgment (“You messed up here”) to collaboration (“Here’s how I experienced it”).
3. Be Specific, Not Sweeping
General statements such as “This didn’t work for me” or “The pacing is off” aren’t very helpful.
Specifics are far more constructive:
- Instead of “The dialogue feels flat,” try “I noticed the characters often agree with each other; adding more tension might bring their personalities forward.”
- Instead of “The beginning is slow,” try “The story really grabbed me once the conflict appeared on page three and maybe starting closer to that moment would engage the reader faster.”
Specific feedback gives the writer clear tools to improve without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Orders
Writers are more likely to feel supported when feedback opens a conversation.
Try:
- “What were you hoping the reader would understand in this scene?”
- “How do you see this character evolving later?”
- “What tone were you aiming for here?”
Questions allow writers to articulate their intent, which then helps you tailor your suggestions more accurately.
5. Balance Suggestions With Encouragement
Even when pointing out problem areas, frame your suggestions in a way that reinforces the writer’s potential:
- “You’ve built a strong character here and bringing their inner thoughts forward could make them even more compelling.”
- “Your worldbuilding is rich. Adding a few grounding details earlier might help orient the reader sooner.”
Encouragement doesn’t dilute critique; it strengthens it by showing the writer that revision is a path forward, not a verdict.
6. Respect the Writer’s Vision
Your job isn’t to rewrite the piece into the story you would tell. It’s to help the writer develop their story.
If a choice seems unusual, explore why it’s there instead of assuming it’s a flaw. Offer suggestions aligned with the style, voice, and goals they’ve chosen.
7. Remember: The Goal Is Growth, Not Perfection
Feedback meetings aren’t about determining whether a piece is good or bad. They’re about helping the writer take the next step in a long, evolving process.
By fostering a positive, respectful, reader-centered environment, you create a space where writers feel safe to stretch themselves and that’s when the best stories emerge.
Have any suggestions or things you like to incorporate in your feedback at our amazing in-person and online feedback meetings? Share them here and on our Social Media pages.