How to ask for feedback as a writer

Writers need feedback to get better. Whether this is from friends, critique partners, beta readers, an agent, or editors. There’s no avoiding it. But how do we get the right feedback from people who perhaps aren’t in the professional field? What kind of questions do we actually need answered?

Here’s some of my thoughts on the feedback that writers, aspiring novels and storytellers need:

CharactersDo you feel like the characters developed enough throughout the narrative?Were they consistent in how they were portrayed?Did they make decisions that made sense for who they are?Did the characters feel real enough or just archetypal cutouts? Were the relationships between characters needed, clear, developed, and interesting?

StorylineDid the story make sense?Did it build in an appropriate way to a logical conclusion? Were there any inconsistencies or inaccuracies?Did the characters move the plot or did the plot move the characters? Were you engaged and interested throughout? When did the story dip/slow for you?

Magic or world elements Did the magic system (rules of the magic) make sense?Were the rules followed throughout?Was there anything that felt redundant or unnecessary? Did the magic system and the world and the story link effectively? Were there any moments of info dump or exposition that felt overwhelming? Was the magic basic, obvious, or boring?

Overall/ General ideas What themes or messages did you take from the story? What were your favourite parts and why?What were your least favourite parts and why?Did the story work for you? Why? Why not? Would you read a sequel or a story set in the same world? Were there any elements that just didn’t work for you? Why?

Thank you for supporting the writers you know. We appreciate all useful feedback. Remember, when things are said in a kind and purposeful way, we all benefit!

Sincerely,

S. xx