How Do YOU Take Constructive Criticism?

I’ve been a published author since 2015 and an editor since 2017. I have been given tips, ideas, suggestions, criticism, and even backlash.

So how do you handle that?

PROFESSIONALLY.

Not all people do. I didn’t at first. Even today, I struggle with getting on the defense. However, I strive to be my best and take criticism constructively. That’s how we grow, after all. Without growth, it’s impossible to be successful.

I went through an experience not long ago where someone asked me to read their book. I started reading but couldn’t get past the first few pages because of all the errors. We’re not talking about a typo here or a grammatical error there. We’re talking…did you have your book edited by a professional?? Even the Amazon blurb had so many errors it was horrifying!

They clearly did not have it edited professionally.

So, in a nice way, I told the person I could not get past the first few pages due to all the errors.

They did not take it well. They said it was edited and went on to say a few more things before I was blocked from even responding. I was also “de-friended” on FB and in life, apparently, and blocked from social media. (That one kills me. Do people really care if they’re blocked?).

Such a shame. I shook my head. It’s scary that people don’t want to know their mistakes. Now, people have pointed errors out to me with my own books in the past, and the simple little ones I let go, but anything that was like OMG, I definitely fixed. There were a few here and there with my books throughout the years. It happens. No one is perfect, not even editors. Does an author want to know about a missing comma or a repeated word in one spot in the entire story? No. It happens even in the best of books (can we say Stephen King??). However, as an author, we should respond kindly and humbly.

I almost feel sorry for the person because had they taken a deep breath and humbled themselves, they’d realize the book was full of mistakes and could fix it, and they might be successful with the book.

This is my point. As an author and editor, I know what it feels like to humble yourself. I OWN my mistakes and learn from them. I take criticism and see if I can fix something or if it’s just someone being sorely critical. I don’t ignore it because I want to be the best version of myself that I can be. And I want to be successful.

I implore those who are writers or editors, illustrators, etc.: When you get constructive criticism, be careful how you respond. Most people are simply trying to help you, not harm you. If someone pointed out a mistake (or tons of mistakes) in anything I did, I’d definitely want to know!