What's one piece of advice for effectively communicating editorial feedback to writers without discouraging them?

As someone who has done copy and content editing across multiple mediums, my best advice is to explain the “why” behind your changes rather than just the “what.” If you are not laying out the specifics of why your suggestions would improve the piece, you are doing the writer an incredible disservice. After all, the goal of an editor is to help someone become stronger in their craft, not continue to fall into the same patterns. Providing clear, actionable steps for revisions streamlines the editing process. This is because you are eliminating time spent on back-and-forth conversations with the writer when they are unsure of how to proceed, well into the future. They become better equipped to apply your feedback when it is fully fleshed out, and they will feel more confident in their skills. Whether the writer has a habit of excessive jargon, repetitive word choices, or misuse of punctuation, refrain from simply making the appropriate edits and moving on with your day. “Why”-driven critiques are the key to long-term success in content creation, as they show you care about the individual’s professional development.

One important piece of advice for effectively communicating editorial feedback to writers is to always focus on the positives before addressing areas that need improvement. While it can be tempting to jump straight into pointing out mistakes or areas for improvement, starting with positive feedback sets a more encouraging and collaborative tone. Additionally, when providing feedback, it’s important to be specific and provide concrete examples. Vague or general feedback can be confusing and make it difficult for writers to understand what exactly needs to be improved. By providing specific examples, writers are able to see exactly where they went wrong and have a better understanding of how to correct it.

Building a fruitful and friendly rapport with our content producers is crucial. We rely on their skill to create captivating blog entries, product descriptions, and marketing collateral that appeals to our target audience. It is also essential to offer constructive criticism to make our material understandable, educational, and consistent with our brand language. Therefore, my advice for effectively conveying editorial comments is to emphasise cooperation above criticism. Present your recommendations as chances for the writer to improve their work while praising the work they've already done. Point out areas that need work, but don't forget to give credit where credit is due. We can enable our authors to take ownership of their edits and eventually produce material that succeeds for the organisation and our audience by encouraging teamwork and providing positive feedback.

One key tip for giving feedback to writers without getting them down is to start with kindness and balance. Before pointing out any areas that need work, I make sure to talk about what they've done really well. This positive start helps set a supportive vibe. Then, when I do give feedback, I phrase it as suggestions instead of straight-up criticism. I try to make it a team effort to make the piece better. It's important to show that the goal is to improve their work, not to put down their skills or efforts. This way of doing things not only keeps the writer feeling good but also makes the conversation more open and productive. It turns feedback into a chance to grow and learn, instead of something that might make someone feel bad.

Highlight the future potential in feedback sessions. When we dive into editorial feedback, it's not just about the content at hand but also about envisioning the writer's growth. For instance, during the early days of integrating AI into our content strategies, we faced a steep learning curve. Feedback sessions became opportunities to discuss not just current improvements but also how these adjustments could open new doors for personal and professional development. This forward-looking approach helps writers see feedback not as a critique of their current work, but as an investment in their future capabilities. It shifts the narrative from what went wrong to what can be achieved, sparking motivation rather than discouragement. Such conversations have not only improved our content quality but also strengthened our team's bond, encouraging a mindset geared towards continuous learning and improvement. This method has been instrumental in maintaining high standards while also fostering a positive, growth-centric environment.

At RankWatch, where we leverage the power of SEO to elevate content, the cornerstone of our editorial feedback process is "constructive specificity." My experience has taught me the value of being specific and actionable in feedback, avoiding generalizations that can feel overwhelming or disheartening to writers. For instance, after launching a series aimed at demystifying SEO for our audience, we realized the need for informative and engaging content. When providing feedback, I focused on pinpointing exactly where a writer could enhance their explanation of a complex SEO concept or inject a relatable example rather than issuing vague calls for improvement. This approach clarifies expectations and empowers writers to make precise improvements without curtailing their creative expression. It transforms feedback into a tangible roadmap for enhancement rather than a discouraging critique. By fostering a culture where feedback is viewed as a tool for growth, we've cultivated a team that's resilient, eager to learn, and continuously striving for excellence in content creation. This method has proven invaluable in maintaining high-quality standards while supporting our writers' professional development.

It is your responsibility to provide feedback to writers in order for their work to improve. Giving feedback can be a delicate task, as you don't want to discourage or demotivate the writer. Always begin by highlighting the strengths and positives of the writer's work. This will help to build a rapport and trust with the writer, making them more open to receiving constructive criticism.Instead of just stating that something needs improvement, provide specific examples or suggestions on how it can be improved. This will give the writer a clear understanding of what needs to be addressed and how.Avoid using harsh or critical language when giving feedback. Instead, use a neutral and objective tone to avoid coming across as aggressive or confrontational.When giving feedback, it's important to focus on the work itself rather than criticizing the writer personally. Separating the work from the writer can prevent them from feeling defensive or attacked.While it's important to point out areas that need improvement, it's also helpful to offer suggestions or solutions on how the writer can address these issues. This will show that you are invested in their growth and development as a writer.

As a hands-on tech company CEO, my advice for communicating editorial feedback is to marry clarity with kindness. Speak with accuracy to guide and not to reprimand. Highlight the writer's proficiencies and frame improvement areas as avenues for progress, not problems. Aim to motivate and not deflate, showcasing how their work positively impacts the bigger picture. Creating this culture of uplifting feedback will be a catalyst for both the individual and company's growth. Remember, to foster greatness we must encourage, not embarrass.

Treat others how you want to be treated. Pointing out faults is no happy task and it honestly doesn’t feel good to know there might be faults in my work, does it? Hence this is one piece of advice I always give people is to present the feedback in a constructive, more humane manner that encourages the writers to want to improve their writing rather than feeling personally attacked. Keeping a balance between highlighting their strengths, praising them for a good write up with providing specific (and not vague) criticism on areas that need revision is the key to effectively communicating editorial feedback. Rather than framing the feedback as instructions, present them as suggestions. Also, always remember to keep the flow of communication open. Encouraging writers to ask follow-up questions and engaging in constructive discussions can lead to a more open and positive outlook to the whole process.

My go-to advice is to practice the art of the "feedback sandwich." Begin with genuine praise, noting what the writer has done well or what particularly impressed you in their work. This positive start sets an encouraging tone and makes the writer more receptive to what comes next. Then, delicately introduce areas for improvement, focusing on specific examples and offering constructive suggestions rather than vague criticisms. It's important to frame these suggestions as opportunities for growth and development, rather than as flaws or mistakes. Finally, conclude with another positive note, reinforcing their strengths or the potential you see in their work. This method not only softens the blow of criticism but also leaves the writer feeling motivated and clear on how to enhance their piece.

One strategy that's been particularly effective for us involves framing feedback as a dialogue rather than a directive. When I share feedback, I present it as my perspective, inviting the writer to discuss their thoughts and reasoning. This opens up a two-way conversation that respects the writer's creative process and fosters a sense of collaboration. It's about finding a common ground where the writer's voice is not overshadowed by editorial standards but enhanced by them. This method not only makes feedback more palatable but also enriches the final piece with a depth that comes from genuine collaboration. It's proof of the power of partnership in crafting compelling content.

To effectively communicate editorial feedback, always understand the level of feedback required. Make sure that your feedback is both actionable and in context. Point out why you offer this feedback, likely from your experience, and ask your writer for their thoughts, too. There might be something to improve in the process. And lastly, come up with an action plan!

Hi! As a long time marketer and content person, I’ve edited and guided over 100 writers. Here’s my best advice for giving feedback without dragging down morale: Takeaway: Create a constructive context upfront My thoughts: Receiving feedback can be overwhelming and disheartening, but setting the right context can make it a lot more productive for everyone. It’s great to start with words of encouragement, like “I think this is really close,” or calling out something you like. Then explain the nature of your feedback — and much you’re going to have to say. Instead of just diving into the red ink, say something like, “Some of this may feel really nit-picky, but I want to make sure we get this right going forward.” Setting up a shared understanding and framing it positively, can help your writers get more out of the process.

Nurturing Writers' Growth with Encouragement and Guidance When providing editorial feedback to writers, it's crucial to balance constructive criticism with encouragement. Start by acknowledging their strengths and what they've done well. Then, address areas for improvement gently and specifically, focusing on actionable suggestions rather than vague criticism. Frame feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning, emphasising that revisions are a natural part of the writing process and not a reflection of inadequacy. Always be respectful and supportive, fostering an open dialogue where writers feel motivated to enhance their work rather than discouraged by the feedback.

Instead of saying "this scene is boring," try "is there a way to raise the stakes in this scene to keep readers engaged?" Phrase your suggestions as questions or opportunities for improvement, highlighting the writer's potential. Positive reinforcement goes a long way, so acknowledge what's working well alongside your suggestions for edits. By focusing on the writing itself and offering constructive guidance, you can help the writer improve their work without dampening their enthusiasm.

It's always helpful to explain the 'why' behind the 'what' when giving feedback to writers. In other words, instead of just telling them what they should do differently, explain the reasons why this is important to you, your brand, and your readers. It may take a little longer, but it will help your writers understand more about your brand and the wider goals for your content, so they should become more aligned with your requirements in the long run.