Making the Most of Feedback - From Kids

As a writer who is also a teacher and a mom of the age group I write for, I often read my work for kids. But kids aren't always the most reliable sources of information. While they can be brutally honest, they also get out of being descriptive by telling you they like things they don't. Here are a few tips to getting honest feedback from kids.

1. Give them permission to hate it

If you are reading to kids, make sure that they know it is okay not to like what you are reading to them. Make sure that they understand that you want their honest feedback because it will make your writing better. Sometimes that's all it takes for them to tell you want they really think.

2. Reactions speak louder than words

Do they laugh at the right parts? Do they groan when you want them too? Kids can control what they say (for the most part) but their reactions come naturally. Make sure to watch and listen when you are reading. I always know when my words have fallen flat when my class starts fidgeting.

3. Be specific

Don't just ask, "So what do you think?" Ask questions about your characters and plot. The more specific you are, they more you'll know if they have been following you. Ask questions such as, "If there is one thing you would change about what I just read, what would it be?" 

4. If you have to explain it, something's missing

As in any critique, make sure not to justify your work. Listen to what the kids have to say. If there is something they didn't understand, don't explain it. Think of ways to clarify the idea in your writing.

No matter what kids think of your writing, remember that information is for you, not for the agent or editor you query. For more query writing tips, make sure to check out this recent post by Chuck Sambuchino that includes advice from my agent, Linda Epstein.