3 Must-Read Books about Giving/Getting Writing Feedback

This is a short list of highly recommended books about critiquing works-in-progress.

When I started out with a critique circle I didn't know how to read others' works or how to listen to feedback from the other writers. As a result, I spent a lot of time feeling intimidated and confused, instead of working on my writing and editing skills.

But you don't have to waste your time like I did! You can gain insight into the writing feedback process and build your skills to make the most of this powerful resource.

The books are in author last-name order. While I've suggested links, look for these books from your fave booksellers. And in full disclosure, I've included my latest ebook among the suggestions:

Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive by Joni B. Cole

• Through interviews with published authors, and a dash of humor, this book shows writers and feedback providers how to make the most of feedback at every stage of the writing and publishing process.

From Draft to Craft: The New Writer's Guide to Feedback by J.H. Jones

• Build your feedback process confidence and enrich your writing and editing skills to achieve your goals. The ebook starts with the author mindset, moves to the sources to develop your feedback network, and details feedback-process basics.

The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide: How to Make Revisions, Self-Edit, and Give and Receive Feedback by Becky Levine

• This book explores the dynamics of critique groups and provides practical advice for giving and getting feedback. It comes complete with worksheets and exercises that will help you deepen your editing skills.

Remember, whether you give or get feedback, the process helps you refine your work, avoid costly mistakes, and enhance your writing and editing skills.

If you've shared feedback with a writer, let me know in the comments how your thoughts helped that writer.