How to Write a Helpful Critique

Ready to enhance your critique-writing skills? Here’s my recommendation: join a critique group!

I recommend that all writers join a critique group, but I think it’s especially helpful for beginning writers—I know that it was for me. But that will mean reading the stories of your peers and you will have to critique these stories, just as they will have to critique yours.

When I was first asked to do this, I panicked! I wanted my feedback to be valuable without discouraging the new writer.

These articles (see below) grew from that desire.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, my hope is that these articles will offer you practical tips to enhance your own writing and contribute to the effectiveness of others' writing.

Writing a helpful critique begins with reading critically

In this series of critiques, I will primarily discuss the art of reading critically. Once reading critically becomes a reflex, writing a constructive critique is much easier. Additionally, reading critically will significantly enhance your own writing, since you will apply these critical tools reflexively to your own work.

Index

Reading Critically
Reading Critically: Scenes
Reading Critically: Try-Fail Cycles
How I Write A Critique

Feedback

I would love to read your thoughts in the comments. What are your tips for reading and writing critically? I read every comment and attempt to respond to each one. Happy reading and writing!