CRITIQUES
If you're not sure how or what to critique, click here to download a template for critiquing in .xlsx format.
Note: The template is just a guide; add or subtract to it as it suits you. Near the bottom, there is a space for noting the audience and genre of the piece you're critiquing, and I suggest you fill these out as the reader. Don't ask the writer their intent - give your impressions. It's helpful for the writer to know if they are hitting their targets in these areas.
Why critique? Or, I’m not a good critter!
1. Critiquing helps improve your own writing. As you identify what’s right or wrong with others’ writing, you will more clearly see what’s right or wrong with your own.
2. The only way to get feedback is to give it.
3. A bad (insensitive) critique has caused many a writer to give up. As we are all a part of the writing community, it’s important to help and encourage one another.
Critter Etiquette:
1. Remember that subject matter and writing style are subjective. You don’t have to regularly read that genre or even like the piece to give it a fair critique.
2. Separate the writing from the writer. A critique is not a commentary on the person.
3. Identify what is right as well as what is wrong with the piece.
4. Be tactful.
5. Don’t ever say, “I would write it like this.” You can offer suggestions, but you are not the writer. It’s important to leave the writer’s voice intact.
Crittee Etiquette:
1. Know that every piece of writing can be improved, and every piece of writing ever written—even the classics—has (or will have, given enough time) one-star reviews on Amazon.
2. Guide the critter. If you have specific issues with your piece, let the critter know ahead of time.
3. Listen carefully to (or read) all the feedback without commenting. Take notes.
4. Be open to making changes with your piece, but learn to listen to your gut. You don’t have to change something just because someone else thinks you should.
5. If it’s a group discussion, wait until everyone has commented before speaking. And then, only explain or ask questions. Do not tell the critters why they are wrong.
Note: The template is just a guide; add or subtract to it as it suits you. Near the bottom, there is a space for noting the audience and genre of the piece you're critiquing, and I suggest you fill these out as the reader. Don't ask the writer their intent - give your impressions. It's helpful for the writer to know if they are hitting their targets in these areas.
Why critique? Or, I’m not a good critter!
1. Critiquing helps improve your own writing. As you identify what’s right or wrong with others’ writing, you will more clearly see what’s right or wrong with your own.
2. The only way to get feedback is to give it.
3. A bad (insensitive) critique has caused many a writer to give up. As we are all a part of the writing community, it’s important to help and encourage one another.
Critter Etiquette:
1. Remember that subject matter and writing style are subjective. You don’t have to regularly read that genre or even like the piece to give it a fair critique.
2. Separate the writing from the writer. A critique is not a commentary on the person.
3. Identify what is right as well as what is wrong with the piece.
4. Be tactful.
5. Don’t ever say, “I would write it like this.” You can offer suggestions, but you are not the writer. It’s important to leave the writer’s voice intact.
Crittee Etiquette:
1. Know that every piece of writing can be improved, and every piece of writing ever written—even the classics—has (or will have, given enough time) one-star reviews on Amazon.
2. Guide the critter. If you have specific issues with your piece, let the critter know ahead of time.
3. Listen carefully to (or read) all the feedback without commenting. Take notes.
4. Be open to making changes with your piece, but learn to listen to your gut. You don’t have to change something just because someone else thinks you should.
5. If it’s a group discussion, wait until everyone has commented before speaking. And then, only explain or ask questions. Do not tell the critters why they are wrong.