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Chances are, if you've been writing long enough to have a finished work under your belt (or close to it), you're already familiar with the concept of a critique partner. These are fellow writers who are in the same position you are — they have a piece of work they'd like to get constructive feedback on so they can improve it. And like any healthy relationship, manners should be observed.
This article was written as a kind of FAQ sheet to the art of finding and keeping a critique partner. Because a good crit partner is as precious as the stories we write.
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Where do I find a critique partner?
You can find a good crit partner almost anywhere: writers Facebook groups, the National Novel Writing Month forums, Critique.org, Writing Associations (such as the Romance Writers of America), Wattpad, Goodreads, or any writing organization with a message board. Here is a link to a list of 40 places to find a crit partner
If you enjoy taking writing classes or attending writers workshops, you might meet someone there who would be a good match. Select an affordable online class or visit your public library. Many branches have writer meetups and free in-house courses. If you haven't yet connected with a writing community, you really should. Not only does it expose you to opportunities, but you are bound to find someone who gets you.
Finding the right match
Critique partnerships are about reciprocation, which makes this relationship more comprehensive than a one-sided beta read. You'll need to find someone who not only enjoys your style but who understands the subject matter. Select someone within your niche who knows the tropes of your trade.
For example: Romance writers are expected to give their readers a happy ending, but horror writers should give their readers the creeps.
Choose a partner whose skills you admire. Take the time to evaluate their work and decide how committed they are to the craft. This might take the form of looking at the number of stories they've published or posted online and how often they publish content.
Be generous with your time, but spend it wisely
It takes time to review someone else's work thoughtfully. Agree on a realistic meeting schedule so both parties feel their time is respected. When you get someone's pages, you should read them at least twice: the first time to get a sense of the piece, then again to make margin notes. If possible, let a day or two go by to let your thoughts incubate before providing your final comments.
It will be helpful to decide ahead of time which areas each of you need help with. You probably know where your weaknesses lie, so convey this to your partner and ask them to keep an eye out for these things. Make a list of specifics to focus on, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, overall plot, etc. And make your notes easy for your partner to digest. Either use Track Changes in Word or make your suggestions with comments in Google Docs.
Consider collaborating from a checklist. You might start by focusing on the following:
Story structure - Character development - Dialogue - Pacing - Conflict - Description/Exposition (too much or too little)
When it's your turn to critique, start with the positives
Keep in mind that you are reviewing a work in progress, not a finished product. You are there to point out the good bits and the problems, and do it in a way that helps your crit partner improve so eventually they will notice these things for themselves.
Stay away from words like "good" and "I liked it" because these don't do much to help writers. Be specific and give context, such as "This passage is strong because with just a few words I feel as though I understand a lot about the main character's relationship with her mother."
The sandwich method is a long-trusted technique used when tact is needed to communicate difficult feedback. You basically sandwich it between compliments. Start with a positive comment, follow this up with the potential problem you found, then finish with words of praise.
For example: "This character has a great perspective on the conflict, however they are not the POV character in this chapter, so the transition to their POV took me out of the scene for a moment. You may want to take some time to decide which character's POV would be best for this chapter, as I feel you have included a very interesting plot point here."
Deliver your comments as suggestions, not judgements
Be clear and direct and don't apologize for your interpretations, but keep a healthy measure of humility. Try running what you're about to say through your inner filter first, and think how it might land on you if you were receiving the same feedback.
The objective is to offer helpful suggestions. It is up to your crit partner to choose whether they use your suggestions as they revise their work. Don't get too attached to your opinions, and keep a light hand. Just like you, your partner hopes to leave the session with a sense of "Aha!" — not "Oh, no!"
Empathize with restraint, celebrate with abandon
We all know that writing is hard, and we've chosen to do it anyway. But beware of lengthy bitch fests or sour rants on the unfairness of the industry, the fickleness of the reading public, or how Amazon has ruined everything (it hasn't). Past a certain point, kvetching becomes a drag on your spirits. So, offer compassion, but spin it to encouragement as soon as possible.
On the other hand, when a crit partner has some success: a story published, a call from their dream agent, or the big one — a book deal, stifle that little green voice of envy and get busy popping the champagne corks. You're part of that writer's success, after all. It may be your name in their acknowledgment section one day, and you can hit them up for a blurb for your back cover when it's your turn.
Stick to agreed upon deadlines
Treat your crit partner as you would want to be treated. Once you establish a turnaround time for feedback, make it a priority to meet that commitment. Again, this comes back to the matter of time and respect. Both are precious. If handled in the right way, a crit partner can stay with you for a lifetime, and a relationship like that is precious indeed.
