THE MAKINGS OF A SUCCESSFUL CRITIQUE GROUP

by Pat Obuchowski and Miera Rao

Every piece of writing is precious to the writer and it takes courage to put one’s work out there.  Sometimes it can take years before an author is ready to share their work to be critiqued.  It is, therefore, important for writers to support and feel supported by their critique groups.  

Not every writer is at the same level—beginner, intermediate or advanced—but even the most proficient writers benefit from getting feedback from other writers to see if their work is being received as they intended.

GIVING CRITIQUE

Critiquing is not just about highlighting the limitations of the piece — it is a thoughtful assessment of the elements and quality of the writing.  Feedback should be a balance of being encouraging while also letting the writer know how to take their story further by suggesting improvements.

DO:

  • Be mindful of the level of the writer.

  • Use supportive language if you have suggestions for change.

  • Comment about the work, not the author.

  • Provide a critique that is constructive to the author, i.e. point out what might be confusing, misunderstood or illogical.

  • If you don’t have any suggestions on how the author might improve their story, do point out what you liked, what is working, what flows, what struck you as effective or ineffective.

DON’T:

  • Launch into what’s not working until you have recognized the positive qualities of the piece.

  • Have an accusatory tone.

  • Challenge others’ critique.  However, depending on the level of trust and dynamics, the group might sustain a healthy, supportive debate.

  • Critique without offering an explanation as to why you are suggesting the change. 

  • Re-write another writer’s story. 

  • Use terms such as “right” and “wrong” in your feedback, to avoid sounding judgemental.

Examples of Supportive Comments:

  • Instead of saying “Delete this” say “Consider deleting this word/sentence…” and offer an explanation.

  • Instead of saying “Do this” or “Don’t do this”, say “You may want to try x.”

  • Instead of saying “This character seems crazy” ask “What is this character trying to achieve?” or “How do you want the reader to see your character?”

  • Instead of saying something is “right” or “wrong” use supportive language such as “This does not work for me as a reader”. 

RECEIVING CRITIQUE

To have your peers’ eyes reading your work to provide objective feedback is priceless.  Submitting your work for critique is an opportunity for you to see if your characters are coming across the way you intended and the events are logical. 

DO: 

  • Receive each critique graciously and humbly.

  • Assume your peers have the best intentions.

  • Listen carefully and ask questions to make sure you understand the feedback.

  • Remind yourself that constructive criticism can help you improve your writing.

  • Reflect on the feedback to see its value for any revisions you choose.

  • Express appreciation to those that provided you critique.

DON’T:   

  • Immediately react. Take a breath, reflect, then comment. 

  • Explain, persuade, or defend your writing. This might stop people from giving you their honest opinion in the future.

  • Connect the critique to yourself. Connect it to your writing. 

When you have an open and growth mindset, your work will greatly benefit from the knowledge of experienced writers. If you do not agree with the critique, just say thank you and choose which parts of the feedback you do want to implement. Remember, this is your work and you choose what to leave in or out.

NOTE:  Finding the right partnership is important in supporting your writing journey.  If your critique group does not feel like the right fit, do reach out to Miera Rao.