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HOW TO BE A GOOD CRITIQUE PARTNER (a smol thread) If you've been following me for a bit, you'll know just how much I love my critique partners/beta readers, because there is no way I could have gotten to the stage I'm at right now without them.
But what makes a good CP?
A good CP IMO:
Tries to understand your version of the story
Keeps their ego out of the equation
Asks you incisive questions to help you out of a bind or a block
Assists in brainstorming when asked
Understands your communication and feedback style
Tries to understand your version of the story Keeps their ego out of the equation Asks you incisive questions to help you out of a bind or a block Assists in brainstorming when asked Understands your communication and feedback style
Celebrates your wins and commiserates your losses Makes space for your style of writing Points out elements that are your blind spots Is honest and kind Reads in your genre, or if not, then understands it Complements a weakness you have with a strength they have
Is committed to a mutually respectful and growing relationship Does not just hand you compliments (not just a positivity pass) Does give you compliments when you've done amazing Understands deadlines Is open to feedback about their own critiquing and adjusts
Points out what's wrong with the manuscript fearlessly Does not present opinion as fact Does present opinion as opinion Gives you solutions, ideas, and thoughts on why they are thinking a certain way Pushes you to become better Has faith in your story's success
Now you'd think that this is a list your CP has to bring to the table, right?
Wrong.
These are things you must bring to the table. You need to create an environment for a CP to *be* all these things. As the author, YOU have the power/control of the narrative & relationship.
Wrong.
These are things you must bring to the table. You need to create an environment for a CP to *be* all these things. As the author, YOU have the power/control of the narrative & relationship.
That's because you have to train your critique group and your critique partners. Not all matches are made in heaven, though you can get lucky (I did!).
The more expectations you set as a writer, the more you *know* what you want, the smoother the relationship!
The more expectations you set as a writer, the more you *know* what you want, the smoother the relationship!
Remember that your CPs are going to be your greatest strengths, your biggest cheerleaders. THEY ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD. In order to have a good CP, you need to *be* a good CP—and I don't mean than in skill level—skill levels vary.
You begin by bringing a good attitude.
You begin by bringing a good attitude.
At the end of the day, a CP relationship is one that needs to be nurtured and honed. It's about understanding strengths & styles. It's about how you engage, what expectations you set, and how you treat your CPs. In order to have good CPs, you need to create an environment for it.
And more, you need to be a good person.
Note how I didn't say, a good writer. You'll become a good writer with good CPs.
But the first step to the relationship is to be a positive partner with the ability to take feedback even if you disagree with it.
#amwriting
Note how I didn't say, a good writer. You'll become a good writer with good CPs.
But the first step to the relationship is to be a positive partner with the ability to take feedback even if you disagree with it.
#amwriting
Giving feedback is the CPs job. What you do with it is yours—that's editing. Don't blame them for doing their job. (And if it's not a positive relationship, then pull the plug on it and look elsewhere).
All this my opinion. Hope it was useful. #khrwriting
All this my opinion. Hope it was useful. #khrwriting
