Critique Groups – Tips for Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback for Manuscripts
Below is the latest installment of my author series that was originally published in the newsletter of SCBWI Long Island (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).
I’ve shown you how blogging can help authors reach an audience, things to consider when starting a blog, how to create a must-read blog, why social media is essential for your blog, and social media best practices for your blog. I then discussed critique group best practices and pivoted to my book’s journey to cultural authenticity for my debut book, It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George, released earlier this year. Today I am circling back to critique groups with more in-depth tips for giving and receiving constructive feedback.
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Ask authors why they write, and they’ll likely say they’re passionate about stories and feel compelled to share them. As such, manuscripts often feel like an extension of the author. This makes writing feel personal.
When writers bring their manuscripts to a critique group, it’s natural for them to feel nervous. They may wonder, “Will people hate it?” or “Am I a bad writer?”
The reality is that every first draft will need work. No one writes the perfect manuscript in one try. Though criticism may sting our egos, if given constructively, it can help improve our manuscripts.
Constructive criticism is feedback that provides specific, clear, and actionable recommendations with the goal of helping someone to improve. As a next step, the person providing the feedback can brainstorm solutions with the author.
Beware of destructive criticism thinly veiled as “constructive criticism.” Destructive criticism is negative feedback with the intent of tearing someone down. This kind of feedback is typically overarching, doesn’t provide specific or actionable steps, and feels like a personal attack.
Example of Destructive Criticism: “I don’t like your writing style.”
The Problem: This general comment targets the author’s writing skills as a whole. It doesn’t specify what it is about the writing style that isn’t working and also doesn’t offer recommendations for improvement.
A Better Way: “I had some difficulty with the shift between the personal and narrative voices. It may be helpful to stick to one style. When writing the piece, what was your intent when you decided to change the voice?”
- Make Statements with “I” – Just like in the example above, a better way to provide feedback is to start feedback using “I.” Saying “I feel” or “I think” focuses on an opinion whereas using “You said…” can make the author feel defensive.
- Give Specific, Actionable Feedback – Identify problem areas to let the author know exactly what needs to be worked on. Provide suggestions or signal you’re open to helping them come up with ideas.
- Use the Sandwich Method – This method recommends starting with a positive statement, inserting constructive criticism, and then ending with another supportive statement. This lets the author know the manuscript has several strengths in addition to areas of improvement.
- Speak in a Light, Friendly Tone – The way the feedback is delivered can determine if it comes off as helpful or offensive. Keep the tone light and friendly so it doesn’t come off as an attack.
- Let the Author Ask Questions – Allow time for authors to ask questions, such as “Is this character necessary?” or “Do I need all of these art notes?” Encouraging this will make the process feel more like a conversation rather than a judgment.
- Listen Mindfully – Listen to the person providing constructive feedback instead of formulating a response at the same time or interrupting.
- Don’t Get Defensive – Resist the urge to argue with the person providing feedback.
- Ask for Clarification When Needed – If the feedback is confusing, feel free to ask questions to clarify how the information provided is helpful.
- Remember Why You’re There – The purpose of the critique group is to provide suggestions for improvement, not just praise. Keeping this in mind can help feedback feel less personal.
- Give Thanks – Thanking the person providing the feedback acknowledges the time and effort made to help a fellow writer.
Critique groups are essential for developing a polished manuscript. Whether giving feedback or receiving it, make sure to do so constructively using the tips above.
This post was written by Maria Wen Adcock and originally posted in the SCBWI Kid LIt News 2023 Newsletter: Summer Edition ©All rights reserved. All content is copyrighted ©2023 The SCBWI Long Island, NY. SCBWI.org Kid LIt News is an educational newsletter of the Long Island, New York region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the international organization for professionals in children’s publishing.