Critiquing another writer's work is problematic. Some writers ask for critiques but what they really want is praise. They want you to say,"Boy that's wonderful! I don't know why it got a rejection". This is what they want even though their mouths are saying "Please tell me the truth I really want to improve". They don't want the truth unless the truth is "Boy that's wonderful! I don't know why it got a rejection". I know these writers because sometimes I'm in that category, I have to admit it.
I've written something I love, I've sent it off and it was slapped down without a second thought and my feelings are hurt. I think the best thing to do then is read it to your husband or other family member who thinks you're the best thing since cheese and then let him say "Boy that's wonderful! I don't know why it got a rejection". Please don't give it to another writer and pretend like you want a critique, a real one, one that will help you to improve the story. Please don't do that- it's not fair.
Critiquing is a big job. For me critiquing another writer's fiction may be the job I like least of all. Mostly because I have trouble staying out of it. Also you don't want to hurt people's feelings, you just want to improve things a bit, but you don't know which turn of phrase they are so proud of, which character quirk they got in a flash of brilliance, which plot twist they are sure is the key to the story's success. It could be the very one you don't like. It's tricky this business.
I have improved along the way; on both sides- giving criticism and accepting criticism. Rick Daley wrote a lovely post at Nathan Bransford's blog that gives some pointers and I have a few of my own gathered along the way.
1. Use Word's tracking tool.
I used to not know about this and just made changes in brackets on the document or highlighted with colour. I think the tracking tool is less invasive, it feels more like the suggestions that the critique really is.
2. Watch your wording
Unless the person is a very close writing friend, saying things such as "Get rid of this" might not wash well. Maybe use "Might be stronger without this" you still get the point across but again as a suggestion not an order.
3. If things are in a bit of a mess, don't nitpick with grammar
I know people may disagree with this but I feel if the plot and characters are not working you rather leave grammar issues for the time being. Too much colour on the returned manuscript is demoralising for anyone.
4. Don't miss the good stuff.
Don't only comment on what's wrong. Highlight also what is right. Mention that beautiful wording, dialogue that is right on base, a refreshing ending.
5. Give a positive round-up.
I always try to end with my general impression of the piece; what worked, what didn't. I try always to be positive but I'm never dishonest. If it is not working it's not working and I won't say it is. In a true critique, you're doing no one a favour by giving false praise. Don't be negative but don't be dishonest.
7 comments:
Lovely, Lauri! I could have written these words myself. And what you say is so true. Critiquing a fellow writer's work can be very tricky!
I agree with the softly softly approach. A lot of effort has gone into most manuscripts. I suggest rather than tell. And I always accentuate the positive!
Jude- I know critiquing is always a give take thing. You must critique others if you want them to help you out but somwetimes it backfires.
Selma- Of anyone I know- you're indeed a softy. Whenever you've commented on my writing I've felt I was just about in line to win a Nobel Prize. I think, Selma my dear, you are better for the first one, the calming of bruised egos.
I don't think I would want to critique a good friend's work. You just don't know how they'll take criticism, and that could ruin a friendship. Luckily for me, the writers that I'm friends with don't write fiction so they don't ask, they're professionals. But, I have exchanged work in writer's groups and so forth, still... I try to be gentle. What's hard is when you've been handed absolute dreck and can't think of a GOOD thing to say, so you feel obligated to at least find something positive to say. Who wants to shoot down another person's hopes and dreams? Not me.
I definitely agree with the end on a positive note advice. I try to start and end with something positive. It is tricky critiquing a partner or friend. It's a bit less tricky for me as a freelance editor. I can be a bit more direct since the author is paying me to do just that. But even then, I also note positive things.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Great advice Lauri, as always. I recently read a piece in a workshop that I thought was appalling and when asked what I thought about it, I held back. Diplomacy & tact are the key I guess, as well as honesty.
Excellent points. I always look for the elements I like first and start a critique from what really works for me and then I give my impressions and only suggestions for improvement, nothing stronger. But I also like to say why something works or doesn't work for me, which I think can be quite helpful.
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