Critiquing someone’s work wasn’t completely new to me when I joined Inked Voices. I’d done the ol’ red pen markings many a times before. But online I was given the freedom to provide feedback at a faster, more legible rate - ah, the opportunities!

I’ve read some great articles on How To Critique Other Writers’ Work and Tips For An Effective Creative Writing Critique. Still, I’ve found some essential lessons that have made the process even more beneficial - even for the sensitive writer.

1. Admit Your Flaws

   This was a big learning curve when my first round of critiques came back. Like many, I hoped for a seal of approval confirming my work was beyond exemplary - it was frickin’ legendary, wasn’t it? My balloon deflated moments later when I read the words “info dumping” and “delete” - repeatedly. It was hard accepting some of my weaknesses.

   Was I even a real writer if I made this many mistakes?

   Once I accepted the critiques in a positive way, over time I realized they’d made me a better writer and helped me reach my short-term goals - one error at a time.

   Point is this: if you want to be a writer you’ve gotta embrace the process. We all need revisions and critiques in order to get better. Besides, a few critiques from our peers aren’t nearly as painful as the big ones we’re bound to get from agents, publishers, and readers giving review.

2. Some Critique-ers Are Just Better At Critiquing

   I could write a separate blog on this topic alone, but for now I’ll summarize. When exchanging work with another writer, you may encounter someone who has a lot of suggestions about what you need to do with your work, yet lacks any structure, flow, or pace in their own project.

   On the surface, you might want to ignore what they’re saying - if they can’t put into practice what they’re teaching what credibility do they have? However, it’s quite the opposite. Some have limited ability in creating their own visions (by choice or by circumstance), but can be spectacular at orchestrating someone else’s.

   Think Roger Ebert and James Wood. Neither are known for crafting the arts they write about, but both are vital in determining success or failure in those industries. Just remember, your target audience (readers!), aren’t always writers either. A critique partner who might not be the best writer, could very well be the James Wood reviewer, ready to write a scathing piece about your novel.

3. Critique Someone Better Than You

   This sounds easy enough…until you start reading someone’s piece and feel like you’ve nothing to offer. But, read their work and if you notice a spelling error here or a typo there bring it to their attention. Ultimately, you’ll be serving two purposes: a beta reader for them, and a fast pass to learning technique, style, flow, and pace from someone who isn’t rejecting your query (i.e. a free master class anyone?).
   We’re all vulnerable in our own way and are secretly searching acceptance from our peers. If you give yourself permission to “critique up,” you’ll challenge yourself for sure, but you’ll also be one step closer to playing in the big leagues.

4. Critiquing vs Criticizing

   **Spoiler alert!! The phrase “words will never hurt me” is a lie!

   Sometimes words hurt or sting just enough to shift someone’s confidence from barely treading above water to the depths of the ocean at warp speed. It doesn’t have to be that way though. When offering feedback, you can critique someone’s project without critiquing them as a writer. Find words that will be useful - saying “I don’t like this” or “change that” can be triggers for them to ignore your feedback. Consider explaining WHY something isn’t working and offer concrete examples of what/how you think it might be better. The writer may not take any of your suggestions or make any changes, but it can build a relationship of trust ensuring you’re not just poking holes in their balloon or blowing smoke up their butt.

   When in doubt: do unto others. Works everytime…

5. Critique Other Genres

   More often than not it’s forced upon us to read in the genre we’re marketing to. And yes, this is definitely helpful advice. However I think it often sets writers on a path to all sounding the same. If all you read and surround yourself with is like-minded/similar-style writers, how far are you going to get - really?

   Innovators don’t follow a path - they make one. Critiquing outside your genre can be instrumental in feeding creative juices - even subconsciously - giving you ideas to make your story stand out. Find a balance working with writers both in and outside your genre to give and receive constructive feedback.

Everyday I’m finding myself learning something new in the writing community. Whether it be on @twitter or @instagram or simply reading a new blog or article in the news. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in the process, but even more to have a community to share it with.

Hope this helps someone else out there trudging through uncharted waters!

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Simply Sally