I only know one way to critique a manuscript, and that\u2019s with a nervous heart.<\/p>\n
Critiquing is a serious, sometimes tricky, business and shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly. If someone trusts you enough to show you their work, consider it a privilege. Give the task the same level of respect you afford your own writing, and embrace the idea that you might be unsure of the feedback you\u2019re giving even as you give it.<\/p>\n
The important thing to understand is that what an author really wants is an alternate perspective. They\u2019ve probably spent a long time with this story in their head, and now they need to put it in someone else\u2019s hands for a while. Respect their efforts, and do your best to give them an honest assessment of their work.<\/p>\n
At the same, though, you need to remember that no two critiques are the same. Each should be tailored to the author of the work you\u2019re reading, and you\u2019ll have to consider both what the writer wants and what they are able to process.<\/p>\n
To a certain extent, the criticism you offer is shaped by the requests of the author, and it\u2019s always a good idea to discuss expectations at the beginning of the critiquing process. Not everyone will be looking for the same thing from feedback.<\/p>\n
Some might want your thoughts on their overall plot. Where are the holes? Which characters are acting illogically? At what points do you, the beta reader, find yourself saying, \u201cNow that\u2019s some bullshit right there.\u201d (It\u2019s totally an industry term. Feel free to look it up.)<\/p>\n
Still others will want you to be picky and point out repetitive word use, improper grammar, and those passages where they went a little crazy with their commas and the page looks like a Flowers for Algernon<\/i> remix.<\/p>\n
If an author does not come right out and tell you what they want from your critique, don\u2019t be afraid to ask. If they\u2019re still sketchy about their goals, even after these discussions, it\u2019s perfectly okay for you to set the parameters. Just don\u2019t be a jerk about it.<\/p>\n
Baseline expectations are the easy aspect of a critiquing partnership, and they should be managed whenever possible. Understanding the skill level of the author is sometimes the trickier part of beta reading.<\/p>\n
I have critiqued experienced authors with whom I could have in-depth discussions about character motivation and backstory. There have been others who lacked a basic understanding of scene and sequel, so our conversations were far different.<\/p>\n
Regardless of a writer\u2019s skill level, the general rule of thumb for criticism is: Don\u2019t be a dick. (That pretty much works for life too. Feel free to try it out.)<\/p>\n
Be honest but remain constructive. Try to point out specific areas in the manuscript that illustrate concerns you have about the story. Whenever appropriate, feel free to offer suggestions and ideas that might enhance the plot, but do not use the margins to rewrite the author\u2019s work. That\u2019s neither your job nor your place, and more likely than not, you\u2019re just rewriting the author so they\u2019ll sound more like you.<\/p>\n
If you want a clone, have a kid. (Or don\u2019t. You seem to have control issues. That might not work out so well.)<\/p>\n
Last thing: Do not give false hope, but do find at least one positive thing to say. Writing is lonely work that is largely populated by people who seem addicted to insecurity. We already believe we suck, and regardless of how nice you phrase your comments, the \u201copportunities for growth\u201d you point out in our manuscript will reaffirm to us how hopeless our writing endeavors are.<\/p>\n
Critiques are not always about what went wrong, but there is sometimes a tendency to focus on that aspect of a manuscript.<\/p>\n
Give your author at least one reason to keep going. Even if most of the manuscript needs a major overhaul, find that one line that really worked. Point it out, tell them “good job,” and then explain why you liked it.<\/p>\n
It will make a world of difference.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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