Nan Jacobs' Workshop Note
by
Nan Jacobs
copyright 03-02-2002
Age Rating: 10 to 127
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TIPS FOR GIVING AND RECEIVING HONEST CRITIQUES
The only critiques that have done my writing any good are the ones I've grumbled about the most. We all love the pats on the back; those are important, sure, but pats on the back are about bolstering your fragile writer's ego. They do nothing to improve your writing. That is the purpose of HONEST CRITIQUES.
In the world of critique partners, it takes some time to establish a level of trust wherein you can tell each other outright, "this stinks," or feel certain when they tell you they love it that they actually mean it. Even then one must be careful of the time of month (if dealing with a female) or if the Mets/Cubs/et al lost again last night (if dealing with a male). I am assuming that most who read this will not have achieved that level of trust with a bunch of online strangers...
Therefore I offer a few simple guidelines to help us use this workshop area constructively. Many of us are quite aware of these little critique customs, but there are certainly amongst us writers new to the world of honest critique.
GIVING A CRITIQUE:
Be honest, but be tactful.
· If something doesn't seem right to you, be specific and tell why it doesn't work for you, and suggest what the author might do instead. "This doesn't work for me, because… Have you thought about trying..." If something doesn’t seem quite right, but you can't put your finger on the reason, mention it gently. It's possible that the author will have had those same vague feelings about that same passage. Knowing someone else feels the same confirms his gut instinct that a change is in order.
· Say things like, "Did you mean for Hero Harry to come across as arrogant in this passage?" rather than "Boy this guy is really arrogant and I hate him". Point out the words that caused you to feel that way about Harry. Suggest new words.
Try to recognize the author's unique voice and don’t mess with it.
Be specific. "This needs work" only tells them what they likely already know. Tell the writer what, in your opinion, the problem is and how you think she might fix it. "In the first paragraph Jane said she hated cheese. Now she's gorging herself on Gouda. Watch out for inconsistencies." "To me the word XXX implies AAA. Is that what you meant?"
Point out mechanical errors (spelling, grammar, punctuation etc). Often an author has already noted and corrected such errors, but things do slip by.
Spelczech ain't perfit after all.
Indicate to the author when something makes you laugh, feel sad, angry, etc. This not only tells him if he is evoking the emotions he intends to evoke but also doubles as a much-needed pat-on-the-back.
If an author chooses not to use your suggestions, accept it and move on. This is his manuscript after all.
Be ready to explain your comment if the critiquee has a question about it.
RECEIVING A CRITIQUE
Above all, remember that your critiquer wants to help you, and no matter what is suggested, you alone decide what ideas will work for your manuscript.
Leave your prickles at home. Editors (and readers and reviewers!) in the "real" world are not going to spare your feelings. Here is the place to get used to hearing what you might not want to hear about your writing. If you feel yourself growing defensive, put the critique aside for a few days and come back to it later. You'll find that you’re able to be more objective (usually).
Don't discount any suggestions, but use only those you feel will work for your manuscript. However, if more than one person notes the same problem(s), give serious thought to making changes.
No need to reply to every nit-pick comment with reasons why you wrote it the way you wrote it. Take the suggestions for what they're worth, use what works, and thank your critiquer for taking the time to help you.
If you don't understand a comment, ASK.
Bob's created this page on PnP so that we may critique in a certain amount of privacy and so that we know who is seeking critique.
Making use of this area is an indicator that you’re willing to accept honest and constructive critique; by placing your work here you are implying that you understand you might not hear what you want to hear, but are willing to consider the possibilities. Those who take the time to critique accept the responsibility to help other writers, not tear them down. There is a certain amount of responsibility on both sides of the fence.
With participation and cooperation, we can make this "test flight" area of PnP a valuable writer's resource!
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A great article. Thank you for writing it.
Lots of times I don't want to hurt the writer's feelings by giving my honest opinion. Or sometimes I feel that I'm to harsh because I'm too harsh with myself.
also I might not be a good enough poet to judge the works of others.
Thank you Nan, you have done it again. Another sensible and valuable article.
We all need someone to cast an unbiased eye over our work.
We certainly can't say we are unbiased when it's our own baby.
For me the trouble is the language. Being in the UK I find that we do have, as you will know, different versions of English. Both in the spelling and meaning.
What is acceptable usuage in "American English", at times would be unacceptable here. So I hesitate to offer critiques.
Brian
You know English is not my native language, in Russia we speak Russian. That is why every word from other authors is so precious. Even if my thoughts are not understood...every comment helps me.
Dear Nan! Thank you for Workshop Note!
Thanks Nan for the advice because it is very hard for me to tell someone their work, that they have worked hard on, needs some changes.
I agree with you, the only critiques that have helped me are the one's seen from someone elses eyes and thoughts. I might be tiffed for a few moments, but when I actually think it over and look it over, I am always glad to make the changes.
I usually shy away from this, but will try to express my helpful opinion when needed.
Nan, this is excellent. I would encourage everyone to try it, especially the newer writers. Wonderful "writing relationships" can be formed, especially when two or more writers share common goals, techniques, etc. I have two critique partners who I still share work and crit's with, and we've been active for several years. Plus, as an added bonus, I've made some very good friends. I can see a real difference in my writing, and isn't that what it's really all about?
Welcome !
