Critiquing 101

[Jessie Harrell]

I know some of you may be new to the idea of giving critiques on another person's writing... especially if you're a new author yourself.  I think you'll find that the more in-depth you are in offering critiques, the more you will improve your own writing.  If you want some tips on how to give a better critique, check out the helpful link below.  And try to always remember to keep the following "critique etiquette" in mind.  (There is a difference between being too-the-point and mean.)

Unproductive criticism isn't worthwhile. Here's how one of our fellow author's critiques:

1) There's always something good in any writing, so I start there.  

2) If I find something I think needs to be changed or improved, then I find a way to help the writer with a suggestion, not a condemnation. 

3) I always end with something good. There are at least two good things in any created piece. I feel it's my job to find them as well as anything I think could be made better.

4) I remind the writer this is MY opinion. I'm not the publishing god. Others will have opinions that are different. I urge them to seek those.

Ultimately, the writer is driving the boat. Remind them . . . subtly.

For more insights, check out:

http://www.fmwriters.com/Visionback/Issue%205/butidon.htm

If nothing else, consider some fundamentals such as:

First impressions

The plot (too much too soon/complicated? no hint at the plot/problem?)

The characters (alive and believable? if not, what felt flat?)

The action/pacing (did it keep me engrossed and wanting to turn the page?)

The dialogue (did I believe people would actually say these things?)

The background (too much or too little?)

The setting (did I understand where I was supposed to be?)

The technical details (spelling, grammar, scientific or historical details), etc.

What I loved about this work, and why

What caused me problems, and why

PLEASE, if you come across any more sites that would helpful in honing our critiquing skills, please feel free to put them in the comments.

Thanks everyone!

[Susan Kaye Quinn]

This is a great list! In my critique group we have the golden rule of giving critiques (Critique onto others as you would have them critique onto you) and the golden rule of receiving critiques (takes what works for you, forget the rest). I've also liked the "sandwich" approach, advocated on Nathan Bransford's blog: {praise} {critique} {praise}.

[Jessie Harrell]

Love the "Golden Rule" - great advice.

[Mary Jo Campbell]

great checklist to keep in mind for giving and receiving critiques! makes it easier to follow this list when reading these first 5 pgs, instead of offering vague - "I liked your characters...."
I remind my students to always start with a praise - something that stood out and resonated with you as a reader. Also, give specifics of why they found something great or unclear. Or ask questions: "I wondered why the setting was in...?"

[Jessie Harrell]

if you're new to the group (or not), you may find tehse have helpful reminders.

[Dawn Brazil]

This is a great list. I try to always point out something good in the piece I'm reading also. It helps to motivate the author. No one likes critisim but I think a little sugar before the sour can make for a good lemonade...dorky, I know. But who doesn't like lemonade. LOL I think it makes us all more receptive of the criticism when we acknowledge the good areas first. Thanks for this post!!!

[G. Donald Cribbs]

Great foundation for this group. I love these suggestions for critiques, both giving and receiving. Wonderful, all.

 

Thank you for this post, Jessie!

 

Warm regards,

 

Don

[Jessie Harrell]

Another helpful post from member Tabitha Olson -- do's and don'ts of giving critiques.

http://tabwriter.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-get-most-out-of-critiq...

[Alisha Marie Klapheke]

Thanks for this!