By Claire Tang
How in the world do you give feedback feedback? When I first started editing for Polyphony, one of the most daunting tasks for me was providing feedback for another editor’s commentary. It can be challenging to find a place to start; another editor’s commentary generally doesn't contain hidden symbolism to analyze, imagery to compliment, or figurative language to dissect, important aspects of creative writing that take the lion's share of feedback in poetry and prose submissions. However, overtime, I’ve realized that writing feedback for other editors is much like writing commentary for any creative writing piece, and that with some practice and tips, it can become much easier.
Tip 1. Thoroughly Read and Group Your Main Takeaways
Thoroughly reading instead of scanning through an editor’s commentary helps me provide specific, actionable suggestions rather than generalized tips. On the first read through, I tend to notice more technical issues and make notes of any grammar or spelling mistakes. Following the second read, I jot down a few key takeaways about the editor’s overall tone, quality and depth of feedback. Did they maintain a respectful tone throughout? Was the content of their General Commentary too similar to that of the Specific Commentary? I suggest grouping these takeaways into two main categories: aspects you feel the editor is already doing well and aspects that could be improved on. The organizing of takeaways as such helps me structure my commentary with the PCA model, the sandwiching of criticism between one piece of specific praise (tip 2) and actionable feedback (tip 3). Beginning commentary with praise can help build an editor’s confidence and make the synthesis of constructive criticism more effective.
Tip 2. Be Specific in Your Praise
Oftentimes, the best feedback I receive from other editors comes in the form of praise that explicitly pinpoints and explains what I did well, rather than praise that says something generic like “your feedback was clear.” For example, if you loved how an editor kept a professional yet non-intrusive tone throughout their commentary, maybe you can try explaining how you felt they were able to achieve this tone. Perhaps you will point out how you noticed them using phrases like “I think…” or “Maybe it’s just me…” and tell them that it softens their tone beautifully. Identifying exactly what an editor did well acts as both a pat on the back and positive reinforcement; it lets them know which techniques to continue applying in the future.
Tip 3. Write Actionable Feedback by Giving Examples
Examples act as the verb of advice; it lets the recipient know exactly how to act on your input for improvement. When writing feedback for an editor, I’ve often found myself tangled in knotted explanations while trying to communicate my suggestions. Over time, though, I’ve noticed how providing examples of exactly what I mean can substitute these long explanations while making complex feedback more tangible and easy to implement. For example, if you felt like an editor’s commentary was too focused on grammar mistakes and could use more literary nuance, give them some examples of what you mean by nuance. If you noticed that the editor could have used a more respectful tone throughout their commentary, give them an example of phrases that convey a respectful tone. If you noticed that the editor made a few spelling mistakes, show them where and what the mistake is. Providing solid examples not only shows the editor how to implement your actionable feedback, but also ensures that your suggestions don't get muddled and misunderstood through long winded explanations.
Tip 4. Be Respectful
Like all things in life, follow the golden rule when writing feedback: treat others the way you want to be treated. Sometimes, another editor may not be as experienced in writing feedback for a specific genre, but it’s important that you phrase yourself in a way that is both encouraging and non-intrusive. When giving any form of written feedback, I always reread my commentary and look for instances where my tone may have appeared too harsh. In the end, people will be more willing to implement feedback when it is given by someone who shows them respect.
I hope these tips help you help others. Good luck and happy feedback writing!
Claire Tang is a Voices Blog Editor-in-chief and a Genre Managing Editor at Polyphony
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