What are the best ways to provide constructive feedback to writers?

2 Be specific and concrete

Avoid vague, general, or subjective comments that don't give the writer any direction or insight. Instead, use specific and concrete examples from the text to illustrate your points and suggestions. For example, instead of saying "this paragraph is confusing", you could say "this paragraph introduces too many new concepts without explaining them. You could either split it into two paragraphs or add some definitions and transitions". This way, you show the writer what works and what doesn't, and how they can improve it.

3 Balance praise and criticism

Feedback should not be only positive or negative, but a balanced mix of both. Praise the writer for their strengths, achievements, and originality, and acknowledge the effort and creativity they put into their work. Criticism should be constructive, respectful, and honest, and focus on the areas that need improvement, not the writer's personality or abilities. Don't use harsh or judgmental language, but explain why something is not working and how it can be fixed. For example, instead of saying "this sentence is boring", you could say "this sentence could be more engaging if you use a stronger verb or a more vivid detail".

4 Prioritize and organize

Feedback should not overwhelm the writer with too many issues or suggestions at once, but prioritize and organize them according to their importance and relevance. Start with the big-picture aspects, such as the main idea, the structure, the tone, and the audience, and then move on to the smaller details, such as the grammar, the style, and the formatting. Use headings, bullet points, or numbering to separate and categorize your feedback, and highlight the key points or actions for the writer to take.

5 Invite dialogue and questions

Feedback should not be a one-way communication, but a dialogue and a collaboration between the writer and the feedback giver. Invite the writer to ask questions, clarify doubts, or share their thoughts and feelings about your feedback. Encourage them to explain their choices and goals, and to express their agreement or disagreement with your suggestions. Listen to their perspective and respect their voice and autonomy. Feedback should not impose your preferences or standards on the writer, but help them find their own solutions and improve their own skills.