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No one can write (well) alone. Do not be afraid offeedback, and choose two people to whom you can send your writing who will serve different roles, one as a coach, and one as a critic. Asking for feedback on your writing can be daunting and nerve wracking. As much as we are our own worst critics at times, it can be stressful to send your writing out into the world where it can be judged by others. Feedback, though, is a crucial part of the writing process. It’s the means through which we can gauge how well our ideas were communicated to our intended audience, to measure whether what sounded right inside our heads makes sense to others also. It can also make us better writers. Think of it a bit like crowdsourcing or collective intelligence. We’re smarter together than we are apart, so take other people’s ideas and use them to make your own work better. When you solicit feedback, it’s important to think strategically about whom you will ask to review your work. It is, of course, natural to send it to instructors or colleagues familiar with what you’re doing and part of your intended audience. But it might also be helpful to consider the results of their feedback. Who will help you, in specific and general ways, move your project forward? Is this a moment where you need a cheerleader? Or is this a moment where you need a coach? A critic? Sometimes you might select someone based on your relationship with that person, or perhaps his level of expertise, or maybe your awareness of the time she could potentially contribute to helping. I am suggesting here, however, that you also consider the emotional impact of others’ feedback on your project. Pick a …