Critique Etiquette

WHAT TO BRING:

Writers are encouraged to bring manuscript sections with which they are having difficulty. Remember to bring enough paper clipped copies for each Critique Circle participant. If you intend to read your piece aloud, inform the Circle Chairperson before the meeting. Not all works will be able to be read aloud each time. The Circle Chairperson will decide according to time and attendees.

BEFORE YOU READ:

Remember, no one enjoys a hostile read. We are not in competition with one another; the quality of your work does not affect the quality or marketability of mine. Odds are that if the same editor reads three beautifully crafted stories on themes of interest to her readers, she will buy all three.

Take a deep breath before you pick up a manuscript. Read it as you would if it were published in your favorite magazine. What did this writer do well? Could s/he have done better? What can you learn from how this was written?

IN CRITIQUE CIRCLES:

Stay on the subject.

The subject is evaluating the story at hand. Do not relate an interesting anecdote, similar story or similar film. This wastes valuable critique time.

Say it once.

If others have already made the points you think are important, then briefly say so and let someone else speak. Don't dwell on one picky thing. The idea is to give the writer different critique responses rather than everyone pound one idea. Do not argue over a single point, using up the entire critique time. If you have a lot to say, save part for later so that everyone can take a turn.

Comment on major points.

Trivial points, such as most word choices, should be held back and discussed last. Focus on questions like:

·                  What confused me in this story?

·                  Where did I lose interest? When did my interest return?

·                  What are the strengths of the story? What kept me interested?

·                  What was my main emotional reaction to the story?

·                  How can I help this writer sell this story?

Be of help. Critique the manuscript, not the person.

Passion's okay, abrasion is not. Do not be sarcastic. Do not psychoanalyze the writer. Do not speculate on the motives for writing the story. The role of the critiquer is to convey reactions that will help the writer write better stories. Try your best to give the help that the writer directly asks for. In your critique, speak like one friend to another, honestly, but tactfully.

Each Critique Circle participant reads the submission then comments. If an area stands out, either praise it or give suggestions for improvement. In the interest in time, do not repeat comments already made unless you can offer a different perspective. Comments concerning punctuation, grammar and typos can be made on the manuscript and do not need to be mentioned aloud. It is all right to say, "I have nothing to offer." Respect for other writers and their specific genre is an integral part the Minnesota Christian Writers Guild.

Watch the time.

When the critique session begins, plan on a division of time and designate a timekeeper. If everyone has agreed to spend 20 minutes per story, help everyone keep that agreement. Others are counting on it. One polite way to do this is to occasionally ask the timekeeper, "How are we doing on time?"

If the story is set on Venus, and you hate all stories set on Venus,

you can be excused from commenting. Personal dislikes frequently interfere with useful critique. Learn to keep quiet when you know you are not the audience for the story.

Do not ask questions about the story during the critique…

Do not ask a question that tempts the anxious writer to spend valuable time retelling and justifying his/her story. Questions are acceptable, however, after the main critique is over, to find out the intent of the writer and help her accomplish that better. Do not ask what really happened in a story. Tell what you think happened; that's far more useful to the writer. It's important to the writer to learn when the audience misunderstands.

When Receiving Critique...

Keep your equilibrium.

Receiving criticism is never easy. Try to remember you are among friends who are trying to offer helpful suggestions. What is said is a comment on your work, not you personally. Critique comments can make you angry, upset, or confused. It is important to learn how to react effectively to them. Getting adjusted may take a year or so of regular critiques, or may happen sooner. It helps to keep in mind: You are not your story. The manuscript is not your story; it's a tool that relays your story to the reader. Tools can be improved. And, a lot of criticism is wrong. Wrong criticism can be useful, however. Stories that some people dislike may sell precisely because of the elements that they disliked. An intense story will nearly always bring out disapproval from someone. Also, remember, that critiquers can take a masterpiece and rip it up. Some of the best stories generate the most energetic critiques. Remember, these people are trying to help you – they are entitled to their reactions.

Advise what kind of critique you want.

You know better than anyone else what feedback will help you. If you want encouragement, ask for it. If you want a thorough critique, ask. You have the option of inviting people to write their comments for you rather than giving you oral criticism. Plan to get the most from your critiquers.

Do not jump into the conversation, listen.

While your manuscript is being critiqued, you should refrain from comment or explanation except when specifically asked for clarification. No one may interrupt another person's critique. Time will be allowed at the end for open discussion.

Do not defend your story.

You are here for pain and gain, not to explain. Let your story stand on its own. Do not spend precious critique time arguing, justifying or explaining. During critique, your job is to listen. Listen for what might be useful to you, write notes and ask a few questions. The reactions and responses you can get from this group are priceless. Later you can sort the gems from the phony baloney.

Do not spent your critique time explaining why someone misunderstood your story, why you wrote it that way, what the plot line really is, what's going to happen next, or why the story is really better than you wrote it.