When your writing gets knocked down

From an editing perspective, we deal with so many types of clients as freelance writers. The best may be the effusive editor who loves everything you do - and tells you.

But then you may have a murky editor or content manager who never sends edits…or any comments on your writing at all.

And perhaps you’ve even had a toxic client who is clearly taking out their personal life drama/trauma on you (please tell me this hasn’t just happened to me!).

Navigating feedback and client relationships comes with the freelancing territory but there are a few ways I like to make it as painless as possible and keep my confidence up. Here’s my list - hit reply and let me know what’s on yours!

🙌 Keep a praise folder

It’s far too common to focus on the negative feedback from clients while completely ignoring the good comments. I like to keep a folder of emails with positive comments. Just drag and drop those emails in, or cut and paste comments into a running Google doc.

That way, whenever you doubt your talents as a writer, you have hard evidence of how amazing you really are.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Ask for specific feedback

I use this strategy when I have a client I simply cannot read. Maybe they barely acknowledge receipt and never come back with edits OR praise. If I let my anxiety go unchecked, I start wondering if they hate my writing and are about to cut me loose. To tame that wild beast in my brain, I like to ask questions specific to the piece I submitted. Something quick and simple like, “What did you think of this section? I also considered doing X…”

That gives them a jumping off point for any area they may have feedback on. But in most cases, this type of client has no problem with you. If you’re like me, you may be creating problems in your mind and it’s not worth our time.

😬 Accept that not everyone knows how to deliver feedback

Editing and managing writers truly is a skillset. And so it’s very possible to land a client who doesn’t know how to communicate well. (It’s them, not you!). I often find that former writers-turned editor/content manager are so skilled at delivering feedback that makes you a better writer, but in a really kind and supportive way.

But in some cases, you may get toxic feedback. Or maybe you’ve tried a few projects and can’t seem to land the tone or voice they want to achieve (maybe the client doesn’t know exactly what it is and can’t explain it). At some point, it may be worth deciding if the relationship is worth it. And if you decide to walk away, go back to that praise folder and remind yourself of what an amazing writer you are!

Any other ideas for gracefully accepting feedback, no matter how it’s delivered?

Happy freelancing,

Lauren

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1. Read The Fully Booked Freelance Writer to follow my exact process for keeping a full schedule (whatever that looks like for you).

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