How do you get real constructive criticism on your work?

To get "professional" criticism, you need to ask professionals. Most people aren't actually able to say more than "it's good" because they don't know why it's good or bad. Off the top of my head, there are two options. If you're talking about fiction writing, you can join a community. I've already recommended Scribophile before: they run a karma system where people HAVE to critique before they can post their own work. The people there (although I haven't dropped in for quite a while) are really nice, friendly and amazingly helpful for spotting what's good and bad. There's also Authonomy, but I don't know much about it (except that it's run by a publishing house who use it to spot new talent). The other option is to ask an editor, an agent or someone who reviews books for a living. They'll be able to see beyond good and bad and provide more feedback. If you're talking about articles, you'll probably have to go that route, since there aren't really any writing communities specifically for article writers. You could try checking out writer forums and see if you can get feedback on those (Writers Market or the communities in Helium, AC, HubPages, etc. would probably work - though you'll get a lot of amateur responses, of course). Hope it helps.

I can certainly understand how you feel. Sometimes, it's just easier to say 'it's good' than anything else. But try giving it to family and friends, and mention to be honest, that you want them to be honest, and to feel free to tell you what they didn't like. Maybe that could help you.

This has been my problem for quite some time since I do produce some work and what I get back in return is a generic response of "it's good' and 'good job'. as a writer, I cannot seem to be content with just those words repeating every time I submit a work. I don;t want to post my work elsewhere becuase it will blacklist me to my clients, so I usually go t my favorite (and much abused) professor and have him critique it. Sometimes, I get frustrated at Him becuase he gives me the same answers (that's only when he's busy checking other student's paper) but his critique and advice is also helpful. Spike's advice is very helpful though I don't have time to post my work in the said communities. I agree that we need feedback(specifically constructive criticism) to improve our work and see how much we develop (or slack off). Feedback is like our grading system. Personally, it nags my mind and I question myself whether I really improve or not. Though it is tempting to nag others for their opinions, some really don't give quality feedback in the first place. Sometimes, you just need to boost your confidence in order to move on and write some more.

I always get one, because i am not so good at grammar, i often times get insults from superiors, yeah insulted they don't tell it to me nicely. But I do take it positively, i am trying not to cry,convincing myself "yeah yell at me now i smile at you later, i'll show i can do good, just wait for my time"... because i know what i am only capable to give when it comes to formal writing, maybe they tell you your work is good it is really good, maybe they are already satisfied with the work o maybe they are not very knowledgeable in the topic so they can't tell you what's missing so they feel its enough and good, if they are well versed with the topic they might find it complete, maybe you should show your work unto people who can related to what have written, or someone superior. :)

Friends and loved ones are quite biased when they give their constructive criticism towards the work of they beloved. It is better to seek the genuine ones from the pro. I mean, look for those seniors who are really expert in the field you are trying to excel. I assure you they give you the best points in writing. They will be glad to show you your strengths and weakness and will be candid enough to tell it directly. Just bear in mind that getting some criticism from the experts might be surprising. Some pro give their points as liberally and harshly as they can; a technique to make you better. Nonetheless, continue writing and showing it to trusted people for criticism, it will still helps.

hi there awinds. im also writing some blog entries and im posting them either here or most of the time in Facebook. for me to know if its a good one or not is if gets a lot of comments or likes - but im not very impressed with 'likes' because its a common thing in facebook, right? im more into the comments (real comments) about the topic i posted. if they give a "nice work" it sounds insufficient to me, it feels like they are just patronizing me as a friend. i kinda like it when they comment on the issue/topic i wrote about, it means they are curious about it, it means they understood what i wrote.

Try showing your work to you family or friends, and ask them what do the think about the writing. And you could also make a mylot task telling people to read the writing and to have people make like a three sentence response on why they liked it or didnt like it. And also have them tell you how you can make it better or more interesting. Hopefully I helped you have a good day.

Sometimes, it's much easier to say short criticism like "It sounds good" or " Great work" or " Not bad", etc...but a follow-up question from these responses will generate more specific answers to gain the constructive criticism. Why not verbalize your wondering thoughts to the person whom you asked opinion with?You mentioned, "What are the strong points of the piece and what needs work?",etc... :)

If you try posting your work on Writing.com, you may get the "vital criticism" and kudos on your work, that every writer desires. There are many reviewers there, and the site has been around for quite a while. Good luck!