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Critique Group Criteria
By Carol Peterson
PART III – Critique Etiquette
How do you give a thoughtful and kind critique? Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Critiques should be thoughtful. What sometimes works best is to read the manuscript and then think it through before responding with comments. Often your brain keeps working you’ve read the manuscript. So give your brain that chance to mull things over so your comments can be more helpful.
2. Begin with something positive. There is always something good about every manuscript. Always. Did I mention there’s ALWAYS something positive about EVERY manuscript? It could be the subject matter. It could be a great title or a turn of a phrase. It could be a character description or a theme that speaks to you. It might be recognition of a difficult revision or a new twist on an old theme. Even “congratulations” on perfect grammar or lack of typos can be positive. Regardless of how you feel about everything else in the manuscript, always begin your critique with what’s good about it.
3. Make sure your comments aren’t about you. Don’t start your critique with “I don’t like.” Stories are subjective. We all have our own likes and dislikes. Just because you may not like something doesn’t mean the story has no value to others or isn’t marketable. So take an objective view. Look at the story within the framework of standard writing rules. Look at the characters, the plot, the resolution. Do they follow the rules? If not, does it still work? If it doesn’t work, why not? If it does, be generous with your praise.
4. Brainstorm. Don’t just critique something by saying “this doesn’t work.” Instead say “you might consider this,” or “the story might be stronger if…” In other words, ask questions or suggest ideas on how the writer might consider fixing something you point out. A suggested revision is always easier to accept and understand if it comes with a way to make that revision work.
5. Mention other things to look at (other books that are similar, for example) and publishers the author might consider for submission.
6. Remember that it’s not your story. Members submit manuscripts for comment but the story remains theirs. It’s their vision and their choice to take your comments to heart—or not.
6. End with something positive. And this part is easier because after you’ve been so kind, thoughtful and helpful, you’ll probably find that you sincerely now DO find much more about the story to love.
On the receiving end, keep these thoughts in mind when you submit a manuscript for critique.
1. Always assume the other person is being kind. Critiques can be scary. We want others to love the stories we have created. That sometimes means that we put up a psychological or emotional shield when we submit something. That “sometimes” results in a defensive attitude. So counter this defensiveness by starting out with the firm and positive assumption that all critiques are meant to be kind and encouraging. That will help you open your mind to the comments and suggestions. And then you’ll be able to get the most from those suggestions.
2. Be grateful. Even if you disagree with a critique or don’t want to admit that the comments might have been justified, remember that the person who has critiqued your work has spent time and effort on it. Once your group is up and running, you will have trust and good will toward each other. You will know that members are devoting time to you and your work when they could have been working on their own projects. So appreciate and respect that time.
3. Keep an open mind about suggestions and comments. Of course, the story is yours. It is your inspiration and your vision. There is often truth, however, in the saying that if 2 or more people say the same thing, you might need to take it more seriously. Remember that as writers, our toolbox is filled with an endless supply of words and ideas. And in the fabulous age of technology, a revision is as simple as the delete button and “save as” a new file. The old version can be kept while trying out new directions. So try. Revise. Rework. Resubmit.
The number one rule in critiquing etiquette, whether you’re on the giving or the receiving end is this: Be helpful and encouraging.
A writing group is a community. We are not in competition with each other. The great news is that editors are always looking for new manuscripts. The even better news is that editors have more than just one contract. We can all win!
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