Writers often work in isolation, until they don’t—then they need a critique partner, writing partner, beta reader, or sensitivity read. But you can’t just find a critique partner and expect them to do all the work. You need to learn how to be a good critique partner yourself.

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The Generous Critique Relationship

Here at Good Story Company, we’re big advocates of giving more than we get, at least when we think of how to be a good critique partner. Writers who are searching for community need to band together. But before asking what a critique partner can do for you, as yourself what you’re willing to do.

After spending over a decade in publishing, I’ve learned that we learn to give editorial advice to others first. Then this sharp editorial eye eventually begins to apply to our own work. We become better editors and do better revisions of our own work by looking at the work of others.

My first bit of advice is to not be stingy. Give, give, give. Spend real time on your critiques. That’s the first pillar of how to be a good critique partner. Yes, you may sometimes run into a partner who doesn’t reciprocate. So what? You have learned something from the process of critiquing their work that you can apply to your own. No time spent writing or giving critique is ever wasted.

How to Give Writing Critique

A lot of writers go into a critique situation for selfish reasons. This isn’t good or bad—I’m not making a value judgment here. But we often want to “win” at critique. We want to prove how much we know, and we want to be right. All of these attitudes are toxic to being a truly good critique partner.

We are all writers, and we are all figuring it out as we go. Someone may have an agent, someone may be published, someone may be a rank beginner. But writing is a great equalizer. Everyone is learning and growing every day. So a good rule for how to be a good critique partner is that you are no better or worse than your partner or their work.

Approach them with friendliness, curiosity, and willingness to help, rather than superiority or authority. You are on an equal playing field, even if you don’t feel that way.

As a rule of thumb, focus on these important elements when wondering how to give writing critique:

• What works—yes, there are strong elements in every piece of written work, you just have to find them.

• What could improve and why—the why is crucial here, don’t fall into the trap of simply pointing out what you don’t like.

• How might you make it better? It’s only a problem if you see a solution, so suggest one!

• Specific comments about character, plot, voice, and writing style.

• Proofreading and formatting tips—it’s always great to practice this with a manuscript that’s missing the mark. It will make your eye sharper for your own work!

• Big picture feedback and overall impressions—you can give specific notes, but don’t skimp on summary. That’s usually easier for your partner to digest.

• Comparative titles and mentor texts—if you feel your partner can benefit from doing some more reading, feel free to suggest something you’ve loved, and mention why you think it’d be a good mentor text.

• Encouragement—everyone loves it. Start and end on things you admired. This is often called the “praise sandwich” and it feels good to give it and receive it.

How to Be a Good Critique Partner If You Don’t Like the Work

We have all read things we don’t like—even published books! Writing and reading are incredibly subjective. This is true. I have spent over ten years in the business but I say to my editing clients: “I am not the end-all and be-all. I’m a highly experienced opinion, but I am one opinion. All I ask is that you’re open-minded about my feedback, but if it doesn’t work for you, take the wisdom and leave the rest.”

Put your ego aside and try to work with your critique partners to help them. Give them suggestions you think they will benefit from. Give them encouragement. Finding a good critique partner is a lot like dating. Sometimes, it won’t be a fit. But you can always make a positive contribution to another writer’s journey, even if you don’t care for their work, or think it’s hopeless. Stick to specifics, talk about why something works or doesn’t, and suggest ideas.

This is how to be a good critique partner in any situation. Practice this and you will benefit from the experience, no matter what.

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