by Peggy Lindgren

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: June 10, 2009

When a fellow writer takes the time to review your work, whether to offer praise or constructive criticism, we should accept it with grace and dignity. Writers are an honest and sincere group of people. Writers are not threatened by the success of other writers but often inspired by them.

We write, we edit and submit the article with the assurance we have done our best. When we put our heart and soul into our words and put them to paper, it is done with a great amount of pride. The important issue for a writer is not to let our pride get in the way of our success.

Early on in my writing, I would receive a note from a writer with a correction or suggestion. I admit I was not quite sure how to receive the criticism but I took the advice and made the changes. After making the changes and reviewing the article, there was always an improvement. I quickly realized that if someone is taking the time to provide feedback, I should appreciate the effort and consideration.

Everyone has his or her own way of accepting criticism. You can either take it personally, ignore the suggestion or, you can learn and accept it with grace. Whether or not you make the changes are always up to you, as the writer.

We can write an article, spell check and edit. We spend a great deal of time reviewing our own work so once we submit, it is the best we have. There are often situations when a mistake is made or an improvement could enhance the article. Welcome the review with an open mind and have the understanding that it is offered with respect. If you agree with it, great, if not be gracious and thank them anyway.

Some writers tend to be a bit arrogant at times. This does not mean to be an insult but a truth. It is a fact that some people in general, do not like constructive criticism. It goes along with human nature and is not necessarily a fault. If the suggestion is given with good intentions, the response should always be polite. Accept the feedback and if you feel it is positive and will improve your work, appreciate the time it took this person to contact you.

Currently when our lives are so full and busy, it is a nice gesture when someone takes the time to send you feedback. Of course, it is always up to you to accept it or not. When they take the initiative to offer help, be appreciative and you may become a better writer because of this gesture.

Accepting feedback with an open mind will enable us to improve and succeed. As a writer, I appreciate the suggestions, as I believe we all want to be the best we can be. With the help and guidance of fellow writers, we will enhance our work and have a great sense of satisfaction and success.

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