Thick Skin and Open Ears: A Writer’s Guide to Criticism

Evan Swensen
March 7, 2025

The first time I received a harsh critique, it was a gut punch, the kind that lingers in your chest long after you’ve read the final, stinging words. I had poured everything into the piece, convinced that every sentence carried weight and every metaphor sang. And yet, there it was—someone had reduced it to a red-marked battlefield of suggestions, comments, and, worst of all, silence where I expected praise.

If you’ve been writing long enough, you’ve probably faced this moment. Maybe it was an editor slashing through paragraphs like a machete in the jungle. Maybe it was an Amazon review that casually dismissed months of effort with, “Didn’t really hold my interest.” Maybe it was that dreaded moment in a workshop when someone prefaced their critique with, “No offense, but…”

Writers live in a paradox: we create alone, yet our work exists to be read. And readers—whether they are editors, critics, or casual scrollers—have opinions. Some will see your work as a masterpiece. Others will see it as something in need of a match and lighter fluid. The question is not whether you will face criticism, but how you will handle it when it inevitably arrives.

Understanding the Nature of Criticism

There’s an old saying: a lion does not concern itself with the opinion of sheep. While that might be an empowering mantra, it’s not always helpful for writers. Because the truth is, sometimes the “sheep” have valuable insights. And sometimes, they’re wolves in disguise, waiting to tear you down for the sake of it.

Criticism comes in different forms. Constructive feedback is what you want—specific, actionable, and meant to improve your work. This might come from a trusted editor, a mentor, or an insightful reader who points out weaknesses you were too close to see. A comment like, “The pacing in chapter three slows down—maybe trim some of the exposition?” is gold. You don’t have to agree, but it gives you something to consider.

Then there’s destructive criticism—the kind that isn’t designed to help but to wound. “This book is garbage” or “You should quit writing” is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. It says nothing about your work and everything about the person delivering it.

And finally, there’s the inevitable mixed bag of online reviews, where one person claims your novel changed their life, and another says it put them to sleep faster than a college lecture on 18th-century crop rotation.

So, how do you separate the useful from the useless? And more importantly, how do you keep writing when the useless starts to feel personal?

Learning to Filter Feedback

One of the best lessons came from On Writing by Stephen King. He talks about his early rejection letters—enough to fill a spike on his wall. But he didn’t stop. Instead, he learned from the feedback that had substance and ignored the rest. That’s the secret: not all criticism is worth your time.

When faced with feedback, ask yourself:

Who is giving this critique? Is it a professional editor? A seasoned writer? A trusted beta reader? Or is it an internet troll with a username like “BookDestroyer99”?
Is there a pattern? If multiple readers point out the same issue—say, confusing dialogue or weak character development—it might be worth revisiting.
Is it actionable? If someone says, “Your writing lacks emotional depth,” that’s vague. If they say, “Your main character’s reaction to loss feels rushed—maybe expand on their internal conflict,” that’s something you can work with.

Turning Criticism into Growth

One of the most successful authors in history, J.K. Rowling, was rejected multiple times before Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone saw the light of day. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies was dismissed by editors who thought it was too dark. Even F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby received lukewarm reviews at first.

None of these authors let criticism end their careers. Instead, they used it, learned from it, and—most importantly—kept writing.

For me, learning to handle feedback meant shifting my mindset. Instead of seeing critique as a personal attack, I viewed it as a tool. I learned to nod, take notes, and resist the impulse to defend my work like a medieval knight guarding a castle. I reminded myself that writing is a craft; like any craft, it can continually be improved.

The Final Rule: Keep Writing

The most dangerous thing about criticism isn’t the words themselves. It’s the self-doubt that creeps in afterward. The tiny voice whispering, Maybe they’re right. Maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe I should quit.

Ignore that voice.

No writer is universally loved. Even literary giants have one-star reviews. However, the only sure way to fail as a writer is to stop writing.

So, take what’s useful. Let go of what isn’t. And when you receive that next critique, remember: it’s not a measure of your worth. It’s just part of the process. Keep writing. Keep improving. And most of all, keep telling your stories.

Because someone out there needs to hear them.

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