How to Give a Good Critique

Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms. She writes weird books for teens in lots of weird genres like, fantasy (Blood of Kings trilogy), science fiction (Replication), and dystopian (The Safe Lands trilogy). Find Jill on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or on her author website.

One of the best ways to become a better writer is to learn how to critique the work of others. It can feel strange at first, especially when you can’t seem to find anything negative to say.

Start out by asking the author what kind of critique they are looking for. Sometimes the author wants all the help they can get. And sometimes they only want your overall impression. Try to give the author exactly what they're asking for. Don’t bother correcting commas if they’ve specifically said not to. You’ll just be working hard for nothing. 

Also, don't point out every single negative thing you can. Skip some. Unless the author has asked you to be brutal, this kind of critique usually isn't helpful. Author Nicole O'Dell once told me that she likes to use the critique sandwich. This is when she puts a criticism between two compliments. It's easier to take that way. 

Also be careful not to critique personal preferences or beliefs. We don't want to critique each other to the point that we all write identically. Our unique way of saying things might be part of our budding voice and who were are. So try not to squash each other.

The following steps are things you can look for depending on what the author needs help with.

1. Read the chapter through without marking anything. This way you get the heart of the story. As you read, ask yourself, are you confused? does the intro hook you? is it realistic? are you bored? do you like the characters? is there a problem the main character is facing? do you feel drawn into the story? 

Write down these overall thoughts at the end of the chapter. Try to keep your comments positive and encouraging. Be sure to point out positives first, then negatives, or take turns sandwiching negatives between positives. You can be honest without being cruel. Instead of saying, “This is so boring!” say, “The first few pages could use some more action. The pace seems slow.” It’s always best to avoid using “you” in your statements. Saying “you” always sounds like a personal attack.

2. Go back and read the chapter a second time, this time stopping to make notes when thoughts come to you. Always try to make both positive and negative comments. Even if the story is horrible, you can always find something positive to say. The purpose of a critique group is to build each other up. Writers have quit over harsh critique partners. Unless the writer asked you to rip their chapter to shreds, don’t point out every little mistake. We all learn a little at a time, so overwhelming someone with nothing but red marks isn’t necessary.

3. If you're doing this by hand, consider not using a red pen. Pick a friendlier color like blue or green.

4. Mark misspellings, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes. (But if you really aren't positive of the rules, don't do this! Telling someone to do something wrong isn't helpful. If you aren't sure, don't say anything---or Google it and learn.)

5. Word use. Does the writer use too many passive verbs (be, is, are, was, were)? Advise them to use action verbs instead. Do they always use vague or bland words (walked)? Suggest they use more specific words here and there (inched, jogged, sprinted, loped, strode).  Note where the writer's words stood out, good or bad. If a metaphor confused you or impressed you, tell them. Point out when descriptions left you confused or when they really hooked you into the story.

6. Dialogue. Does it sound realistic? Do character conversations move the plot forward? Does the author use too many said tags or action tags? Not enough? Is the punctuation correct?

7. Viewpoints. Can you understand the point of view? Are the transitions from one point of view to another smooth and clear?

8. Did the author use the proper manuscript format? We should all get in the habit of writing in the industry standard format. Click here to see a video on proper manuscript format.

9. When you finish, edit and proofread your critique. Go over the comments you've made to make sure they are clear, kind, and don’t contain typos.

10. Most of all, remember whose story this is. The author doesn't have to accept your advice. I always try to end my critiques with a statement like this: “These are just my opinions. Take what you like and throw out the rest.” When you give your critique back to the author, let it go. And don't be offended if the writer chooses to ignore some or all of your suggestions. The point of a critique is to give your honest opinions and advice. What the writer does with that information is up to them. 

Tomorrow I'll post an article on preparing to receive a critique. Do you have any critique tips you'd like to share?