Learning how to edit your own work properly is worth every homicidal—or suicidal—moment. Learning how to critique someone else’s work can be both educational and wonderfully therapeutic because it shows you you’re not alone— neither in your mistakes nor in your desire to rip someone’s head off for pointing them out. Bless their hearts.
The best thing I ever did for my writing career and growth was to become part of a critique group. If it wasn’t for my critique partners—Jem, Bron, Rach, and Karen— I’d have sent out some absolute crap over the last few years. They keep me from settling for an easy fix to a problem, ask annoying questions about stuff I haven’t thought through properly, tell me what they like and don’t like, drive large tanks through my plot holes, and offer me hope, cuddles, shoulders, and cyber chocolate when all looks dark and completely depressing. I try to do the same for them.
Here are five things to keep in mind when you’re considering critique partners.
- Beginning a critique partner relationship is like getting a new puppy. It’s fun. It’s cute. But sooner or later someone is going to get upset and howl at the neighbours, chew slippers, or pee on the carpet. Try and make sure it isn’t you. If it is, apologise, clean up, and provide chocolate. If it’s someone else, explain the rules of the house, and forgive. Either way, hugs and pats and some bonding time together is always appropriate.
- Have a least one critique partner who is familiar with the conventions of the romance genre and, if possible, with the subgenre you write.
- This is a two-way or (clears throat) multiple relationship. Don’t just take from it. Make time to give your best to each other. Remember, the more people in your group the more time you need to put aside. When all of us are working on something with the same deadline it can get hairy.
- With reference to number 3. above. “That’s great!” is not a critique. It’s a cop out. Be nice, but its your job to help each other, so spend time looking at the work with a critical eye and with a view to its improvement.
- Grow a thick skin. In the words of the late William Safire, “Nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected.” It’s so easy to get upset and offended when people find things “wrong” in work you’ve slaved over. Suck it up. It’ll happen in the real publishing world too, so get over it now while you’re working with those who love you.
Bonus tip: Don’t ask your mother to critique your work. Really. Don’t. I’m sure she’d be both nice and truthful, but the poor woman has already raised you—and is probably still hoping you’ll outgrow this phase of your life and get a real job making pots of money—so give her a break. It means Christmas and other family get- togethers are a lot less stressful.
And that’s probably enough from me.
Popularity: 15%
Tags: Critique Partners, Editing
Leave a Reply