x
No Plagiarism!eTfnztvZGZVXRW7ZoAzqposted on PENANA How to give a critique and have
writers listen.
819Please respect copyright.PENANA8XeX1swbKE
Its bad manners to critique on a writer's work unless you are invited to do so. There are a few writers who just can't handle feedback, and often these are the ones who won't ask for it.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAGQLUvXwH4F
Chances are, they're just going to defend their work to the bitter end, so your feedback will be little more than a waste of time. So just go in your head: "Arrrg Typos! Fix them dang it!" and move on. Doing anything else makes you look like a jerk.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAke9JVax7zJ
If you're giving a critique, you should take the time to really read a piece before you construct your feedback. Read it slowly.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAf5yHer2g5c
Read every line carefully and make notes, and then jot down your thoughts when you've finished reading. If you have the time read it a second time as this is when things really click or stick out.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAzrgw4SfhtA
There's nothing worse than receiving half-baked feedback I've had this happen and it was awful.
819Please respect copyright.PENANArIql6ABnsS
It's plainly obvious when someone hasn't put sincere effort into a critique, and it renders the critique less then helpful as the writer has so many unanswered questions about what you said. Keep in mind they may be so green they won't always know what any writing terms mean.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAHRQpLMmd2G
Focus on asking questions that center on story elements rather than spending time tinkering with the writers sentence structure. When you do this you could become a voice-killer. If you don't know what sentence structure is, stop now. Don't give a critique until you learn it.
For the most part, fix small typos without a second thought, but unless a sentence is really awkward, leave it alone. 8964 copyright protection815PENANAUYWItochgl 維尼
Critiquing and copy editing are two different things. Don't lose focus. Writers trust the critic but listen to your instincts. If 5 + cridics love your writing and number six says it's flawed, they might not have enough awareness to realize that the real problem is they dislike your writing style.
Just to be safe, have 2-3 harsh cridics come in and see if they say the same thing.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAhof1XnkUOd
For this to work without bias any critiques that are done before this must be sent as a message. (Or if you are done with any posted critiques delete them. I know they worked hard on them so wait a while before doing so. As long as you used what they pointed out then their critique isn't wasted.) Why? I've learned that some cridics tend to look at the other critiques in the chapter and so you pretty much get a copycat critique. Watch out for this, just be polite and thank them. (This happens on Wattpad all the time.)
819Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7n3verK3J
Now writers!
Trust me, never argue with a critic even if you sure they are wrong it's bad manners. also, cridics tend to be super defensive the backlash isn't worth it. I seen this happen. 8964 copyright protection815PENANAATYXvMnsc4 維尼
Once you see this behavior once it it's easier to spot next time. 😥 Get a different critic and cross your fingers.8964 copyright protection815PENANAtc9ZaknD2Z 維尼
One more thing, I'm not a fan of Google docks because it's like trying to pull a hair off a broze statue to copy anything you write in it, omg.
So here's a simple solution for those with limited options on mobile: 8964 copyright protection815PENANAUbSpUaVxCw 維尼
Make a draft in your story when you're done working on it delete all the text save as a period for next time. 819Please respect copyright.PENANArytMCaML4s
8964 copyright protection815PENANAWGqjnJR1Qf 維尼
You could also post your critique as a book chapter. The writer might not want this so ask first. I personally like in book comments or if there are too many comments in a chapter then as a message. Email is also okay.819Please respect copyright.PENANAM06kzSIw14
819Please respect copyright.PENANAxzTOTQ5cNw
When a critic makes comments or suggestions for improvement that show they really didn't understand the story, that can be frustrating to the writer.
There's a difference between not understanding a part of the story and skimming it. Because if you miss something critical then make a stupid comment like: 819Please respect copyright.PENANAswxLa7sr3s
8964 copyright protection815PENANApHerqfwe9g 維尼
"I don't understand why she's in such a hurry." (HUM.... lets see now she's bleeding to death and an evil god is over taking her body?) Doy'! 😆819Please respect copyright.PENANAwtYUiS6rN9
819Please respect copyright.PENANA3LxWRgZNJQ
This can end up making you look foolish and that you don't care about their book. Word gets around and too many instances like this and nobody will ask for your "help."
819Please respect copyright.PENANAdWcOUC3utj
It is perfectly fine if you are confused about something. Just let the writer know where and why you were confused.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAs3FxoOWybm
Whatever you say during the critique, your feedback should be directed at the writing, not the writer. Don't start your comments with the word "you." Refer to the piece, the sentence, the paragraph, the prose, or the narrative. Judging the work, not the individual who produced it. There's a slight but important difference between pointing out errors in the piece versus the person who created it.
819Please respect copyright.PENANA4uMD8AHNSj
It's not sugar coating pointing out when a writer has done something correct or well. By telling them it prevents the unfortunate deletion of what was good with the bad. If you want them to improve and absorb what you're trying to teach them this is critical.
Think of it this way would you only tell your child negative things and never the positive? How do you think he would turn out? 819Please respect copyright.PENANAtqJEFdoasA
8964 copyright protection815PENANAUmUrJrMxtw 維尼
It's easier for a writer to hear where they have messed up after they hear where they've did it right. 819Please respect copyright.PENANAICmGMD2vvy
A cridics job is not to find fault above all else your job is to teach! So teach damn it! You can't teach other writers if you don't understand and know the difference in all the pov types. Read them, learn these write in them. If you won't then refuse to critique any but the one/s you do know well. 819Please respect copyright.PENANA0sMVI7O4Pz
8964 copyright protection815PENANAgJeMvjz69a 維尼
Otherwise you have no right giving a critique. It's like this Jane only writes in First person but Lary asks her for a critique, but he writes in third person. These two are very different from the other. 8964 copyright protection815PENANAzQeSEhbsuk 維尼
These are the knowen Point of View Types: 8964 copyright protection815PENANAWK5jXF9Xtf 維尼
Omniscient819Please respect copyright.PENANAbMpp68RQEj
8964 copyright protection815PENANAfpOsgwybjI 維尼
Third Person Omniscient819Please respect copyright.PENANA4r94gDoJsH
8964 copyright protection815PENANAksV8AqkVJP 維尼
Third Person Multiple819Please respect copyright.PENANAKlsxhvChvG
8964 copyright protection815PENANAIJEEmjhkH4 維尼
Third Person Objective 819Please respect copyright.PENANAWezgeP5unp
8964 copyright protection815PENANA6ec7JAdwsI 維尼
Third Person Limited 819Please respect copyright.PENANAjFaCrb6mVI
8964 copyright protection815PENANAIKS6CP98Zw 維尼
Third Person (nothing else with) 8964 copyright protection815PENANAJ5Isi8zuD2 維尼
Close Third (Google: Deep pov)8964 copyright protection815PENANABG1TRVk3NN 維尼
Second Person 8964 copyright protection815PENANA5Hs4S9HQre 維尼
First Person8964 copyright protection815PENANASfCFYTxhJj 維尼
First Person Peripheral POV 819Please respect copyright.PENANAGtxOZJYpOT
8964 copyright protection815PENANA8xUkHeAOQ7 維尼
Google these, learn the ones you like, learn to recognize the diffrence between a pov type and a new writer mistake. I've seen many green writers give a crapy critique to a poor writer that uses Omini and the critics are telling them to show don't tell. Get a clue. 😑 Gah, talk about the blind leading the blind down a open sewer hole ... everyone's gona' stink.8964 copyright protection815PENANA01g9DXZifr 維尼
Don't be biased on pov narration styles. Just because you hate Omniscient or say third person that doesn't make a work written in this kind bad; it just means it's not your taste. Just because you read someting in an article for example about why Omniscient is awful doesn't make it the word from up high and to be followed blindly! That pov is best done by a master. 819Please respect copyright.PENANANigRWu2CKb
819Please respect copyright.PENANAVuQAS7gbb6
Now, what if you ended up getting a writer to stop using that pov and they are amazing at it? But you didn't have the know how to spot this? Also, know the rules of every pov style you can to more accurately sift the errors from good prose.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAFGgUZfOPPs
Be sure it stays a critique and not a listing of why you think that narration is bad, try to keep this separate in your critiques.
819Please respect copyright.PENANA6RkwF0Vwsl
Avoid overly harsh wording, by that I mean anything that can be taken as an insult. Nobody wants to listen to some one who is being a jerk you're better than that.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAFrIw9yHHoe
Don't repeatedly say things like:
819Please respect copyright.PENANAPXtAojFJC4
"This is boring."
819Please respect copyright.PENANAngWO5nifKx
"You'd have to ..."
819Please respect copyright.PENANAmQrmlAJNo4
"You must ..."
819Please respect copyright.PENANA6m3RldOLyu
"Those are the wrong words."
This one is difficult, be sure to say something like: 8964 copyright protection815PENANALPyu9IqQdZ 維尼
"I feel a better word for this is ..." Then they're more likely to listen. 819Please respect copyright.PENANA7fIsUMYCZ6
8964 copyright protection815PENANACq6FuBM1yI 維尼
"This doesn't fit into what my narrow minded perceptions of how a woman should act."
That one was a joke, but sad thing is I've actually gotten a critique that felt like that's what the critic meant in the subtext. I could be wrong, but the way it was worded ... so watch out for this too. 819Please respect copyright.PENANAuTseiwKnHf
8964 copyright protection815PENANAtk7hTsLTA3 維尼
Do you want the female or male pov to act in the way that is the norm in your society? Or is it because their reactions don't ring true? Think hard on that. Be objective, not biased.
If a woman finds a stranger in her room she's going to grab a knife not want to fuck him; or in my case grab a Winchester. 8964 copyright protection815PENANAkJ75vrpxXe 維尼
A male pov "gasp" doesn't automatically have to fall in love with the girl. The writer might decide he loves his best male friend instead. 8964 copyright protection815PENANAjFsbxvKsQR 維尼
And, guess what? If you can't handle that then shut your yap and leave. You have no place dictating how, what, where the character do, go, act, or have relationships with. The writer decides not you your job as a critic is to point out technical flaws nothing else. 819Please respect copyright.PENANAtVjXrkG5Do
819Please respect copyright.PENANAQqdvlPkGcd
Grammar rules like good prose ebb and flow with the times they aren't static. This stuff is an editors job stray too far in to pointing these out and you're not giving a critique nor do the writer any favors. Fixing that stuff is easy, giving a real indebth crittique is not.
819Please respect copyright.PENANApQuCK3EMK3
"And," is now acceptable as are other conjunctions at the start of a sentence; I just wouldn't use them often as of yet.
Phrase your comments in a positive way so the writer will hear you out. 8964 copyright protection815PENANAqwpxUeBc3H 維尼
Try instead:
819Please respect copyright.PENANAEBni8kFkJj
This paragraph is vague. A stronger wording could be...
819Please respect copyright.PENANAsstF4xWpvc
This could be more suspenseful if you ...
819Please respect copyright.PENANARwdjiXbFBi
To avoid passive wording take out these ...
819Please respect copyright.PENANAFwlwBsnLSY
Paragraphs are more then a space they ...
819Please respect copyright.PENANAzxg5Pn85KE
Be respectful and have the compassion to see that it takes moxy for a writer to have the courage to show it to you and others and invite feedback, then it's probably something in which they are emotionally invested. Try to treat them and their work with dignity, honor, and with respect.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAUuk8VCTCfA
Take notes as you go it will make sure you don't miss anything and you can't forget your comments. Your critique will be of a higher quality because of this.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAW8JHRVZikX
Don't be ultra nice. Trying to spare feelings and giving no real feedback will be of no help. Give praise for the things you liked, the parts that engaged you emotionally, if the story looks good, plot stuff like that.
819Please respect copyright.PENANATCWDiEd37i
An essential part of critiques is missing in some cridics critiques. You can't effect change if you don't explain why you are saying something should be done another way. Clarity is needed in writing and in critiques. Don't be lazy and give a half assed critique. Explain why something is wrong and give examples.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAg4ChP0fTYj
The writer can't read your mind tell them why and how if you want them to learn. If your are for example, unable to explain the difference of show verses tell then you need to go write 👓 study more and critique less.
819Please respect copyright.PENANA8YpwwCDOHS
Clarity again; point put things in such a way the writer can understand and fix it.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAD3r2cguOv7
Such as:
"I don't get this sentence why is she/he ..."8964 copyright protection815PENANAq26iurrvjP 維尼
"This character's actions weren't realistic compared to urgency because..." (Too little emotion or too much.)
819Please respect copyright.PENANAcWU2cqBvnh
"In my opinion, this sentence is learning towards purple prose. It was a bit long and convoluted consider simplifying it."
819Please respect copyright.PENANAJR2r1I5WIP
Truly candid feedback is the only way to ensure excellence. When giving notes, be sure to include:
819Please respect copyright.PENANALcDhZpQFeg
What is Wrong
819Please respect copyright.PENANA0qTNNsb8Nu
What is Missing
819Please respect copyright.PENANAGSGR2dTByN
What Isn't Clear
819Please respect copyright.PENANABblkRdskva
What Doesn't Make Sense
819Please respect copyright.PENANAyRUfeQm5SH
One more thing, don't ask for backstory in the first chapter, thats not where it should go (A critic asking this screams newbie!) unless the writer wants help with the prolong.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAI7vOWPtfbH
However, be wary of scenes that open to "set the scene" in a bad way. Prologues that explain the world, or a moment from the protagonist's past that explains why she's the way she is, are often just backstory and infodumps readers don't need to know first—and they don't rarely care about at this point. Start with action holds true no matter who is the focus of the opening scene.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAmOU7q5f9fK
The first chapters main job is to hook and get readers to want to go to the next chapter. Most cridics know this but some don't so am putting this in here. Nothing is set in stone mind you. I'm sure someone out there can make this work brilliantly, not me though.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAq1n8f7RP2R
It needs to be said, I greatly appreciate everyone who's ever helped me.
ヽ(*≧ω≦)ノ 819Please respect copyright.PENANAeHioCR5wDU
8964 copyright protection815PENANAVMqL5HkA4B 維尼
Some of what is in here has actually happened. Critics deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy. This is just my desire to help reduce frustrations on both sides. 819Please respect copyright.PENANAz4fLFhHBTx
8964 copyright protection815PENANAadd2T8QbiP 維尼
The flip side on this is while yes, you may have spent hours on that critique, but if it was worded so poorly and dripping with disdain then it shouldn't have been made at all.
A good critic is mature enough to be able to take feedback that doesn't agree with what you wrote. The great cridics are able to spot what most miss. It's a joy to find a critic like this. 819Please respect copyright.PENANA3qKr2dgoSd
8964 copyright protection815PENANA64fWknAY3m 維尼
(☆^ー^☆)
819Please respect copyright.PENANAKOTJ0tU7bb
I for one will thank you and show my appreciation but I will not hold my tongue if I know that you are wrong or have over stepped your bounds. I can be your silly goofy best friend or the worst bitch you ever tangled with, it all depends on how you react. Don't judge me, ever. The book judge that, thank you.
819Please respect copyright.PENANAvysiUh3pSF
I hope these tips help you dear and much needed critic do what you set out to do; improve writing, grammar and story's because you love them too much to see them in anything less then great.
Any books that became this was in a big part because of your dedication. Feel proud. Or if not then highly pleased. The critic and the writer working together create better storys, one word at a time. 819Please respect copyright.PENANAoziNDpxsWE
8964 copyright protection815PENANAFAkfILiGRC 維尼
819Please respect copyright.PENANAmrvwJc0fHt
\(^0^)人(^0^)/
819Please respect copyright.PENANAUmdkYLbvIH
Later on there will be an issue on how to gracefully take criticism as some writers react with hostility.
18.116.65.119
ns18.116.65.119da2