Critiquing Tips - Giving Critiques

Recently I posted about my awesome writer's group, the Village Peeps, and about how useful they are for improving my writing.

Every writer's group is different in how they operate, but we have a model that we feel is very successful. It's important to have some ground rules to insure that the critiques are most useful and respectful, from both the critiquers and those being critiqued.

Here are our guidelines for you as the critiquer:

• One person in the group should act as a "facilitator" to determine whose turn it is to give feedback. That person will also be the last one to give feedback to the writer and to make sure critiquers stay within the guidelines.
• Be humble and respectful. You are just one point of view.
• If you are the first critiquer, always begin with a positive comment. It sets a positive mood and helps minds open.
• It's a good idea to reflect what you feel is the main idea of the piece, particularly if you are the first critiquer.
• Avoid telling how you would handle a writing problem; it's up to the author to do the actual fixing and writing.
• Keep comments relevant to writing and avoid getting personal in your responses. For instance, avoid questions like, "Did that really happen?" or statements like "I had an aunt who was just like that character." What you probably mean is "That plot twist seemed implausible to me," or "When Matilda gritted her teeth, she came to life for me." Be more concerned with effectiveness -- how it was written.
• Be as specific as possible. "It's really good" is useless; "It's really lame" is damaging, and neither comment helps the writer revise. For instance, instead of saying "Your description of the cat was good," comment on where and how it was good, such as "When you describe the cat entering the room, I could tell it was a Persian without you saying so."
• State your comment one time only and be brief. If the writer needs elaboration, they can ask for it when it is their turn to talk.
• Write down your critiques on the manuscript, not just relying on the writer to take a note.
• Try not to re-state what others have already commented on. You can "pass" if everyone has already said what you would say.
• Do not comment on other critiquers' comments or belittle them. They are entitled to their opinions.
• "Line editing" (such as correcting commas or grammar) can be helpful, but try to focus more on the bigger issues.
• If you receive the piece to be critiqued for the next meeting, but cannot attend in person, then make sure to return the critiqued piece as soon as reasonably possible.

See my following post for guidelines for you as the one receiving critiques.

Cheers and happy reading!