How to Write a Writing Critique

Summary

In this video, Shaylen and Reed Z discuss the art of critiquing writing, focusing on the etiquette and techniques for providing feedback in workshops, beta reading, and critique partnerships. They emphasize the importance of timeliness, solicited critique, and tailoring feedback to the writer's request. The video offers advice on respectful critique, including avoiding moral judgments and assumptions about the author, and suggests a balance of positive and critical feedback. Shaylen and Reed also highlight the value of specific, objective, and constructive criticism to help writers improve their work effectively.

Takeaways

• 📅 Be Timely: Return critiques by the agreed date or communicate if unable to meet the deadline.
• 🙅‍♂️ Avoid Unsolicited Critiques: Only provide feedback when it has been requested to prevent coming across as condescending.
• 📝 Give the Type of Critique Requested: Respect the writer's wishes regarding the type of critique they are seeking, such as developmental or copy edits.
• 🔄 Critique How You Would Like to Be Critiqued: Approach writing critiques with the same respect and consideration you would want for your own work.
• 🤝 Be Respectful to the Writer: Balance respectfulness with providing helpful feedback, understanding that both can coexist.
• 🚫 Don't Push for Drastic Changes: Avoid suggesting the writer change the fundamental nature of their work unless it's constructively beneficial.
• 👥 Avoid Moral Judgments on Characters: Focus on how character actions affect the reader rather than making judgments on the morality of those actions.
• 🚫 Never Assume Author Equals Narrator: Keep in mind that characters and actions are fictional and not necessarily reflective of the author's beliefs.
• 🔢 Aim for a Balance of Positive and Critical Feedback: A general guideline is to provide one third positive feedback to two thirds criticism.
• 💡 Use Positive Phrasing: Frame critiques positively to focus on improvement rather than just pointing out flaws.
• ❌ Avoid Black-and-White Statements: Offer nuanced feedback instead of definitive demands like 'this character must die' or 'this scene must be removed'.
• 🔍 Be Specific with Feedback: Provide concrete examples to help the writer understand and address specific issues in their work.
• 👩‍🏫 Don't Replace a Professional Editor: Recognize the limits of a peer critique and avoid overstepping into professional editing territory unless qualified.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to critique writing effectively, covering the basics of critiquing etiquette and providing tips for being both respectful and helpful when giving feedback on someone's writing.

Why is it important to be timely when returning a critique?

Being timely is important because it shows respect for the writer's time and expectations. If you agree to return a critique by a certain date, it's crucial to honor that commitment, and if you can't, it's essential to communicate with the writer and explain why.

What does it mean to give 'unsolicited critique'?

Unsolicited critique refers to giving feedback on someone's work without them asking for it. This can come across as condescending or patronizing and is generally considered bad etiquette in writing circles.

Why should you avoid giving the type of critique that the writer did not ask for?

Giving the type of critique that the writer did not ask for can be unhelpful and frustrating. It may waste both your time and the writer's, as it does not address the specific feedback they are seeking for their work.

What is the suggested ratio of positive feedback to criticism when critiquing?

The suggested ratio is one-third positive feedback to two-thirds criticism. This is not a strict rule but can serve as a guideline to ensure that the critique is balanced and constructive.

Why is it important to avoid making moral judgments on characters in a critique?

Avoiding moral judgments on characters is important because it respects the writer's creative choices and intentions. Characters in fiction do not have to be morally pure, and their actions can be part of the story's design, even if they are not agreeable to the reader.

What is the significance of using objective terminology when critiquing?

Using objective terminology helps to express the critique in a way that is clear and actionable for the writer. It avoids subjective opinions and focuses on specific issues that can be addressed to improve the writing.

How can being specific in a critique help the writer?

Being specific in a critique provides the writer with clear examples and points of reference. This makes it easier for them to understand the issues and to strategize their edits effectively.

What is the role of a professional editor in comparison to a critique from a friend or a workshop?

A professional editor has a higher level of authority and expertise, particularly in areas like grammar and style. They can provide more in-depth and authoritative feedback compared to a friend or a workshop critique, which should not replace the role of a professional editor.

Why should a critique avoid trying to change the fundamental nature of a story?

A critique should avoid trying to change the fundamental nature of a story because it's the writer's vision that should be respected and improved upon. The goal is to enhance the existing work, not to impose a different story or direction.

What is the importance of phrasing critique in a positive way?

Phrasing critique positively helps to maintain a respectful tone and focuses on how the work can be improved rather than just pointing out what is wrong. This approach is more constructive and likely to be well-received by the writer.