You're facing tension with an editor's critical feedback. How can you navigate this challenging scenario?

Embrace critique as a valuable tool for growth. Understand that an editor’s feedback is meant to refine and enhance your work, not diminish it. Approach critiques with an open mind, viewing them as opportunities to elevate your writing skills. This mindset shift will make the feedback process less daunting and more constructive.

Embracing critique, especially when facing tension with an editor's critical feedback, is essential for professional growth and improving the quality of your work. View critique as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. Recognize that constructive feedback is meant to enhance your work and help you develop your skills. Focus on what the editor is saying without interrupting or becoming defensive. Fully understanding their perspective will allow you to see the bigger picture and grasp the reasons behind their feedback.

Active listening and accepting criticism are two essential skills for being a good content creator. Just as we must understand our audience's profile, we need to be humble when receiving criticism from a colleague or a client. We must accept it, absorb it, process it, and learn from it in order to improve our content. It’s challenging. The stress of daily work, the attitude of the person criticizing us, the challenges we face, and tight deadlines can wear down our patience. But only by accepting criticism can we learn; only this way can we broaden our perspectives. The more we learn, the greater our ability to understand the next criticism we receive and to determine if it’s valid, based on a judgment shaped by time and experience.

When facing tension with an editor's critical feedback, analyzing that feedback carefully is crucial to navigating the situation effectively. Start by breaking down the feedback to understand the core message. Identify what the editor is specifically critiquing—whether it's the structure, tone, clarity, or content accuracy. Understanding the precise areas of concern helps you address them more effectively. Put yourself in the editor’s shoes. Consider their role, objectives, and the broader context of the project. This can help you see why they’ve given certain feedback and recognize any editorial standards or constraints they’re working within

Carefully analyze the feedback you receive. Break down the editor’s comments to understand the underlying concerns. Look for patterns in the feedback, identifying areas where you can improve. By thoroughly analyzing the critique, you can make informed decisions about which suggestions to incorporate and how to enhance your overall approach.

As a writer, it's important to communicate openly when you feel tension with an editor's critical feedback. During my time as a copywriter, it wasn't uncommon for my colleagues or me to have 30-40 edits on one article. Not because we were poor writers, but because we had editors who were hypercritical to ensure our clients received the best content possible for their audiences. However, there were still times when my colleagues and I could feel tension in the comments left by our editors. Here, I always found it best to reach out and ask clarifying questions. And every time I did this, the editors were happy to collaborate. After all, we all were working towards the same outcome and there was no need to let tension linger.

Open communication with your editor is key to resolving tension. If you disagree with certain feedback, discuss it respectfully to gain clarity and mutual understanding. Express your perspective while being receptive to theirs. This dialogue fosters collaboration, ensuring that both parties are aligned in the pursuit of the best possible outcome.

I start by aligning revisions with learning objectives and using formative assessments to identify what’s working and what’s not. For example, when refining a microlearning module, I prioritize updates that enhance engagement and knowledge retention. By leveraging learner feedback and iterative design, I ensure that every revision not only improves the content but also deepens the learning experience.

View each piece of feedback as a learning opportunity. Continuously refine your skills by applying the lessons learned from critique. Seek out resources, attend workshops, and practice regularly to stay ahead. A commitment to continuous learning will help you grow as a writer and make future feedback easier to navigate.

Maintain perspective by keeping the bigger picture in mind. Remember that feedback, even when critical, is aimed at helping you succeed. Avoid taking critiques personally and focus on how they can contribute to your professional development. Maintaining a balanced perspective will help you handle feedback with grace and resilience.