Employ peer editing, peer responding Writing buddies out of class, or in class Use a check sheet or some other response format that suits your taste and the assignment. Supplement that with computer-written comments, if possible. Consider portfolio grading, especially of assignments with multiple drafts. You don't have to put a number or letter grade on every assignment, or on every stage of every assignment. Particularly true of experimental or exploratory stages of writing.
Writing is elegant and easy for real writers.
It's hard and messy for me. Writing is hard and messy for nearly everyone. If it's too easy, they're not doing it right. Provide a realistic time schedule. Help make students aware of time management in planning, researching, writing assignments.