Tag: critiques

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Writing and Publishing

What to Look for in a Critique Partner

A friend asked what to look for in finding someone to critique her work.

If you are looking for feedback on bits and pieces of your work in progress (WIP) or various writings, most established critique groups should be a fine fit. However, critique groups are not well suited to provide a critical review of every word of an entire book. For that, you need a dedicated critique partner, also called beta readers.

Here are some of my thoughts on the subject:

  • Make sure they are readers who read in your genre.
  • They need to be able to tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
  • Make sure they don’t have an issue of their own that will snag you (such as being a frustrated, unpublished writer or someone who talks about writing but never actually does it).
  • They need to have the time to invest in your project.
  • They need to be willing to let your voice come through and not subject you to their preferences.
  • You need to be compatible. That doesn’t mean you have to be friends, but it wouldn’t hurt. That doesn’t even mean you need to like them, but it sure would help.
  • They need to be someone who you respect and will listen to. Otherwise, it’s a waste of everyone’s time.

Then there is the issue of compensation. That’s a tough one. If they also happen to be a writer, you could swap critiquing services. Paying someone for this can be expensive, but keep in mind, if it’s free, you often get what you pay for.

What I do know is if you find some trusted critique partners or beta readers, treasure them and never take them for granted.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

Categories
Writing and Publishing

My First Writer’s Critique Group Experience

My first writer’s critique group was a rewarding experience. There were ten in attendance, which included several first-timers. As a newbie, I was able to share my journey and participate in the discussion, but I could only be an observer in the critiquing process. Wisely, they want to make sure that newcomers are serious about the group first—both in terms of attendance and in paying the annual membership dues—before they can offer or receive feedback.

The attendees covered a full range of experience from those who had books published to those who were merely considering becoming a writer. It was also quite balanced between men and women, although not as diverse in age. Still there was a wide degree of perspectives.

Four people had work to share, though we only got to two. As I recall there were five or six who could offer feedback. Their opinions were fair and balanced, both affirming when appropriate and critical when warranted. Each person had valuable input. Though no one person had a singularly complete critique, compositely I think everything was covered.

The two guys who had their work scrutinized did their best to receive it well, but there were subtle indications that this was at times a struggle. I wonder how I would have done in their place—probably not as well.

I will continue attending this group, at least for the time being, but given that it is an hour away (in good weather), it makes for a rather long evening. It would be great if I could find (or start) a group locally. That is my hope.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

Categories
Writing and Publishing

Is an Online Critique Group Right For You?

A few weeks ago in my “Critique Groups” post, I stated my desire to be in a writing critique group. I specified I wanted one that met in-person, as opposed to cyberspace. I am now rethinking that.

I recently listened to a podcast entitled “The Care and Feeding of Writing Groups.” It was in the archives of the “The Writing Show,” were host Paula B chatted with Sean Dent about critique groups. Sean gave compelling reasons to pursue online groups instead of in-person meetings. He discussed in glowing praise his positive experiences with Internet-based critique groups.

Among the benefits:

  • Flexibility and Convenience: There are no fixed meeting times and you can participate whenever you wish and to the degree your schedule allows.
  • Greater Selection: It is far easier to find writers that are at a comparable skill and career level, as well as those compatible with your personality.
  • Ad Hoc Connections: As you participate in these groups, writing friendships form—almost as a group within a group—of fellow travelers whose work you respect and whose feedback you trust and value.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

Categories
Writing and Publishing

What I’m Looking For in a Critique Group

Writing is a solitary effort, a task pursued in private. Yet the result is public.

Bridging that gap, between originator and audience, sits the critique group. A properly functioning assemblage will help members distinguish between their junk and their jewels, serving to keep the drivel under wraps while propelling the exceptional to greater heights.

While I comprehend the immense value of being in a writing community, alas, I am not. Although some groups function well in cyberspace, my desire is for a gathering that meets face-to-face. Perhaps because most of my day job is done at a distance, I don’t want yet another task that must be accomplished in absentia. My desire for presence dictates a group of local writers, the existence of whom I am yet to identify.

Here’s what I wish my critique group to be:

  • We all need to be active writers; no wanna-be, gonna-do wordsmiths need apply.
  • We need to be at a comparable level, though those more advanced in the craft will be a welcome bonus.
  • We will meet on a regular basis, monthly seems ideal.
  • Each will submit a sample of his or her work in advance.
  • Each will review all submissions, ready to provide feedback at the meeting.
  • Honesty is the expectation but presented tactfully. Our mantra will be to speak the truth in love.
  • False praise will be prohibited, while ruthless disparagement will be verboten.
  • The intent is to help each member improve their work, but not do it for them.

Is this a realistic expectation or an idealism never to be realized? Look for future updates here. Until then, write well.

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.