Comments on: How to Give Good Critique

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:35:09 +0000

Thanks Renee! Critiques have helped my writing immensely. Actually, because of all the writing critiques I’ve received, I feel I’m better able to absorb any kind of critique. In addition to improving your writing, critiques help you build thicker skin, which is an added benefit.

By: Renee Otis

Renee Otis — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:28:06 +0000

Wonderful article! We had a rousing discussion Sunday on AgentQuery about this very topic. Your insights were spot-on! Many thanks from your newest fan. I shall incorporate these guidelines into my own critiques.

Cheers,

~Rey

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:55:46 +0000

Great tips, I always want to give a good critique. Now i now how to do it properly.

By: Michele

Michele — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:11:43 +0000

Great tips on critiquing, Melissa. One can find themselves in a heap of trouble if they say anything about someone’s work. It can become really heated at writer’s groups.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:28:57 +0000

I will definitely be using the information in this post a lot.

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:20:40 +0000

@Jaden, And I am your student in life and how to live it. You, of course, have been the most supportive and encouraging person for all my crazy dreams. *hugs*

@Manictastic, Thanks, I’m glad you liked it

By: Manictastic

Manictastic — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:24:34 +0000

There are some good points in here on how to critize a friend/writer. I enjoyed the read.

By: another good description of participation in peer critique «

another good description of participation in peer critique « — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:07:25 +0000

[...] wanted to draw your attention to a post on melissa donovan’s blog (writing forward) about participating in peer critique. she writes in a really light-hearted, clear way about what to do and what to avoid. (you may [...]

By: Jaden

Jaden — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:50:04 +0000

Good points. Very well written. I must tell everyone that Melissa is always thoughtful and sensitive with her feedback. I am forever her student in this area.

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:16:52 +0000

James, Oh yes, always critique the writing, not the writer… I might just go in and edit this to include that bit of advice.

By: James Chartrand - Men with Pens

James Chartrand - Men with Pens — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:40:06 +0000

I’ll add a tip: When offering feedback, avoid “you” statements.

Here’s an example:

You did this. You did that. You shouldn’t do those things, because you will blah blah blah. You should do this instead.

Ugh. I feel personally knocked and beaten about. Try this version:

The writing is like this. The text sounds like that. It may be a better idea to avoid these things, because the content will. I suggest this technique so that YOU (it’s okay here) can achieve this, this and this benefit.