At some point or other in your writing career, and probably when you’re just starting out, you’re likely to be asked to give a critique of another writer’s work.
It might be that you’ve joined a critique group online, or that you’ve joined a writer’s circle. Whichever it is, a good working group will focus, at least part of the time, on reading and commenting on pieces of writing.
By the time you’ve been writing for a while this won’t present much of a problem: you’ll know what makes a story work and be able to identify areas that need further work or rewriting.
But if you’re just starting out, offering a critique can be a pretty daunting prospect. It’s important to remember that even non-writers are capable of and qualified to comment on a story, so as a writer, (even a beginning writer) you are certainly qualified.
As a reader you’ll know instinctively when a story is going off-track, when it’s a bit confusing, when it rambles on too long, when it makes you feel impatient or bored.
You’ll also know when you’re enjoying a story. The trick in offering a critique is to identify what it is in the text that is making you feel the way you do.
The following checklist is a guide to particular areas of a story. It’s by no means exhaustive as there are many aspects to storytelling, but by keeping these few pointers in mind you will be able to offer valuable and constructive comments.
Overall, keep these three questions in mind:
- Does it capture your attention from the beginning?
- Do you want to read on?
- Are you curious/concerned about the characters?
And as you read or listen, concentrate on:
1. Characters
- Are they real?
- Do you see them walking and talking?
- Do they arouse your emotions or do they leave you cold?
2. Dialogue
- Can you hear the voices?
- Do the words sound natural?
- Is the dialogue in keeping with the character?
- Does the dialogue move the story forward?
- Is it believable?
- Does it flow smoothly?
3. Plot
- Are there holes, or places where it goes off topic?
- Are there irrelevancies that should be cut?
4. Theme
- Can you identify the theme?
- Does it say something to you personally?
- Is its presentation original?
5. Mood/Tone
- Does the tone fit the subject?
- Is it constant throughout?
6. Language
- Does it complement the theme/plot/tone?
- Is it appropriate?
- Is it repetitive?
7. Overall Effect of the Story
- Does it deliver what the opening promises?
- Will it stay in your mind for a while after reading?
- Have you seen it a hundred times before?
8. How did you feel when you’d finished the piece?
Happy? Sad? Confused? Bored? Satisfied? Pleased? Admiring? Can you identify why you feel the way you do? Could you explain it to the reader so that they can appreciate what they did to make you feel that way?
Don’t always focus on the negative.
Look for what’s good too.
Maybe the story overall doesn’t work but there are probably a few sections where things are going right. Nothing is more destructive to a writer’s confidence than a barrage of negative criticism, so try to give your critique some balance. Find the good bits, identify the writer’s strong points and remember to point those out as clearly as you point out the areas that need a rewrite.
At bit of empathy goes a long way. Put yourself in the writer’s shoes and ask yourself how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of your critique?
Be honest, but be constructive and always give reasons. Rather than just saying ‘the characters are wooden’ try to pinpoint why you think that, and if at all possible try to suggest a solution.
As a last tip, never get high-handed about a critique. You’re offering an opinion, nothing more. The writer doesn’t have to accept your comments and you must respect their right to disagree with you.
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