Hey there fellow fiction writers! So, you’ve finally received feedback from your editor and are feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it! Receiving comments can be nerve-wracking, but it’s all part of the writing process. In this post, we’ll cover what to do when you get comments back from an editor as a fiction writer, and offer some tips and tricks to help you make the most of the feedback you receive.

1. Take a deep breath!

First things first, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. It’s completely normal to feel nervous when receiving feedback, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time working on your manuscript. It’s your beautiful baby! However, keep in mind that your editor is there to help you make your work the best it can be. So, don’t let your nerves get the best of you, and take a moment to center yourself.

2. Read through the comments carefully.

Now that you’ve taken a deep breath, it’s time to dive into the feedback. Take your time to read through the comments carefully. Make sure to pay attention to every comment and try to understand what the editor is saying and why they are saying it. Depending on the type of editing you asked for, this could impact the feedback that your editor has given you. You don’t have to agree with everything the editor says, but keep an open mind and try to see things from their perspective.

As you go through the comments, make sure to take notes on any recurring issues or suggestions. This will help you identify areas of your writing that may need more attention and focus. Most importantly, if they’ve found typos, grammar issues, or misspellings, at the very minimum fix those.

3. Don’t take it personally.

It’s important to remember that editorial feedback is about your work, not you as a person. It’s easy to get defensive or feel like your writing is being attacked, but try not to take the comments personally. Keep in mind that your editor’s job is to help you improve your writing, not to tear you down.

Instead of getting defensive, try to see the feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. Remember, every writer gets feedback at some point, and it’s all part of the process.

4. Ask for clarification.

If there’s something in the feedback you don’t understand or if you need more information, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. It’s okay to reach out to your editor and ask for more details. A good editor will be happy to explain their comments and answer any questions you may have.

Asking for clarification can help you better understand the feedback and provide you with more insights into your writing. This, in turn, can help you make more informed decisions when revising your work. It’ll also make you a better writer!

5. Take action.

Now that you’ve read through the comments and taken notes, it’s time to start revising. Don’t try to fix everything at once; focus on one issue at a time. Start with the areas of your writing that require the most attention, and work your way down the list.

Remember that the editor’s suggestions are just that: suggestions. It’s up to you to decide how to implement them into your work. Use your best judgment and make sure that the changes you make are in line with your vision for your story.

6. Thank the editor.

Last but not least, show some gratitude! It takes a lot of work to read through someone’s manuscript and provide thoughtful feedback. A simple thank you can go a long way in building a positive and productive working relationship with your editor.

Make sure to thank your editor for their time and effort, and let them know that you appreciate their feedback. This can help to establish a good working relationship and make future collaboration smoother and more effective.

In conclusion, receiving comments back from an editor can be nerve-wracking, but it’s also a valuable opportunity to improve your writing skills. By taking the time to carefully read through the feedback, separating yourself from your writing, and focusing on taking it one step at a time, you can turn your first draft into a beautifully polished work of art!

Want to hone your writing skills? Be sure to check out my other blog posts.

Need feedback from other writers? Check out my Discord for a lovely writing community!