Critique Guidelines

In order to have an effective critique process, members of the group must strive to be devoted, good-natured, willing to accept criticism graciously, and consistently consider the works of others with wisdom and compassion. Personal feelings need to be put aside and the focus must be on what we can gain from each other's thoughts and expertise.

    Technical Critique...

    ...focuses on technique: grammar, sentence construction, word choice, plot or character development, pace, etc. This kind of critique may challenge the beginning writer or anyone else who lacks the confidence to offer in-depth advice to others. Confidence can be acquired through education -- taking writing classes, attending writer's conferences, reading books and magazines about writing, and studying up on grammar and style. As ones own writing improves, so does ones ability to critique others.

    Reactive Critique...

    ...is based on the reader's reaction to the writing. It deals with the emotions and feelings evoked by the piece not by the issues or ideas behind it. It gives the writer a reader's perspective on the manuscript and allows the writer to see their work filtered through someone else's consciousness and experience. This is particularly helpful to those who are technically proficient, but my question whether their writing is moving, interesting, entertaining and/or provocative.

New! See detailed prose critique guidelines on Victory Crayne's website: http://crayne.com/howcrit.html

New! See detailed poetry critique guidelines at: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewArticle.asp?id=16980

(A potential pitfall of any critique process is that occasionally someone may react to a manuscript for reasons that have nothing to do with the writing. We all must try to avoid this pitfall. Remember that the purpose of critique is to provide a variety of technical and reactive responses so that the writer can decide which are applicable to his or her manuscript.)

    Critique Process

    For each critique we will go around the table as directed by the moderator. Each member will be offered an opportunity to verbally state his or her comments while the writer listens. The process will work most effectively if the writer of the piece being critiques refrains from responding to any critique, i.e., explaining or defending it. We must avoid verbal exchanges of this kind because the session can easily get off-track and/or become too lengthy. 

(To get specific criticism, the writer might consider including a notation at the top of the manuscript listing topic(s) they would particularly like to be addressed: plot, character, grammar, etc. Or, if the writer wants something more specific, he or she should note straight forward questions like "Is the dialogue believable?")

    Critique Etiquette

    Critiques are about the manuscripts and should not be taken personally. It naturally follows that critiques should be delivered with tact and kindness, and without malice. Each critique should be well balanced, i.e., positive and critical comments. REMEMBER THAT ANOTHER PERSON SPENT TIME AND EFFORT WRITING WHAT YOU ARE READING.

    When receiving critiques, listen quietly and respectfully. RESIST THE URGE TO REACT RIGHT AWAY. A criticism that seems way off base at a meeting may make more sense later.

From Bloomingdale Writers Group