Imagine receiving feedback on your writing that simply reads, “I hate that shit.” Ouch. It happened to me when I was in uni, and clearly I’ve never gotten over it.

(I never found out why, either.)

Not only is feedback like that unhelpful (and slightly mortifying), but it leaves you feeling confused and discouraged.

Unfortunately, my experience isn’t uncommon. As medical writers, we often rely on feedback from clients, editors, colleagues and even friends to improve our work.

But without explanation, even well-intentioned criticism can fall flat.

So, how can we move beyond vague negativity and offer truly constructive feedback that helps other writers grow?

The answer lies in the power of why.

Why is why so important?

Anyone who has taken my medical editing course will know that I say, “All edits need a reason” repeatedly!

A why, or a reason, justifies your feedback, helping the writer understand why you are suggesting an edit and whether your suggestion is valid.

A why helps you make sure you are not suggesting change for the sake of change.

The goals of a good medical edit are to improve the first draft, make sure the writing meets the key requirements and change only what needs to be changed.

Articulating the why when you’re giving feedback is constructive criticism, and it’s so valuable because it:

• helps you determine if your feedback is justified
• helps the writer identify bad habits, and learn and improve for next time
• builds the writer’s resilience and confidence
• opens a dialogue and builds trust.

Hopefully, your writer will view your feedback as an opportunity to grow, not a personal attack, and learn to value feedback as a positive force.

The art of giving useful feedback

So, what does good, why-backed feedback look like? Here are some tips.

Be specific

Avoid vague terms like weak or confusing without explanation. Point out exactly what needs improvement – for example: “This sentence structure could be simplified for easier reading.”

Explain your reasoning

Ground your feedback in evidence and guidelines. “This claim lacks a reference to support its validity,” clearly demonstrates the issue.

Offer suggestions

Don’t just point out problems; provide alternative solutions. “Consider restructuring this paragraph for better flow,” empowers the writer to actively improve.

Focus on the writing, not the writer

Always keep it professional and respectful. Avoid personal attacks or negativity. “This approach might not be the most effective,” focuses on the writing, not the writer’s abilities. Avoid writing overly personal comments that indicate you might be frustrated with the writer, like: “You always do this,” or “Why did you include that?”

Acknowledge the writer’s strengths

Remember to praise the good parts! Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages further improvement. “The introduction is clear and engaging,” and “I love your take on this!” balance the critique with appreciation.

The final word

By adopting this why-focused approach, you can transform feedback from a discouraging experience into a valuable learning opportunity.

And if you’re on the other end, have received feedback are feeling confused, you’re completely entitled to ask why!

Remember, the goal is to help your fellow medical writers craft clear, accurate and impactful communication that changes lives and inspires better health.

But if you can’t demonstrate a good reason for your feedback, the writer may be confused or dismiss it as you hating on them.

When you’re giving feedback, reasons – just like in any copywriting project – are persuasive. Always aim to back up your feedback with a good-quality reason.

Your writers will become better writers, and you’ll know that you didn’t just hate that sh*t for no reason.