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May 24, 2008 09:21:24
Posted By The Write Editor
 
Continuing our discussion on critique groups and critiquing, let’s examine how to receive a critique. This can be difficult if we let our emotions rule. The ideas we write and the words we choose are from the heart. To allow someone to even read, let alone critique, our work is to invite them into our inner selves. But if we expect to publish manuscripts, we have to have an open and professional approach to praise and criticism.
·         Have someone read your manuscript out loud to you. Listen to the rhythm and cadence. Your ears will catch errors your eyes didn’t.
·         While your piece is being read aloud, observe the faces and body language of the other listeners. Are they attentive? Do you note any reactions (audible or physical)? Do their expressions indicate excitement? Sorrow? Boredom?
·         Have your best work critiqued. Don’t bother with a rough draft. You already know it needs work.
·         Let your critics speak. Do not argue with or interrupt them. If you truly are a professional and desire to publish your work, be open-minded and examine the veracity of what they’ve said. That doesn’t mean you have to employ every single change they’ve suggested (if you have ten critics, you might have ten suggestions for changing one thing), but you do need to take a hard look at what has been pointed out and figure a way to fix it.
·         Critiques are opinions. Sometimes critiques turn into criticism. Try not to feel insulted and go back to the above point.
·         Although the words and ideas being critiqued are yours, the critic is not critiquing you.
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Categories: editor, proofreading, writing, copyediting, critique, critique group
 
May 5, 2008 03:58:24
Posted By The Write Editor

We’ve talked in the past about having friends and family members critique our writing. What about critique groups? A group of writers critiquing one another’s work. What is the advantage?

1.  Being part of a critique group forces you to write regularly. You have a deadline looming over you—your group is expecting you to give them something every week or however often you meet. Your group serves as a catalyst for you not only to schedule writing time, but also to polish your work.

2.  Your group members can give you a fresh pair of eyes to spot any POV problems, organization issues, or a host of other trouble spots. Their insight can spark your creative fire.

3.  Brainstorming with fellow writers provides an excellent opportunity to hash out a solution to getting your protagonist out of his sticky situation—or getting him into the worst possible scenario, making it seem impossible for him to save the world. Although your critique group buddies might each be writing in different genres, you all strive for the same goal—to write and publish.

But what if they don’t like your work? What if they continually point out errors and problems but don’t give many kudos? Chances are your writing needs more work than you thought it did. Better to hear it from these guys and work to improve your craft than to send it out to several editors and receive a terse rejection letter with no explanation of why.

Check with your library and local bookstores to find a critique group to join. Not one in your area? Start one!
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Categories: writing, manuscript, editing, critique, critiquing, critique group, copy edit, proofread
 

 

 
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