I’m a proponent of attending critique groups. You can tell a group is beneficial when their comments help you build a better story, create more realistic characters, and refine (or find) your voice as a writer. They will push you in ways that can be painful but ultimately are aimed at polishing your work not breaking you down. So what can you do to be an asset to the group like they are to you? Read on.

Be Honest

This is the first tip for a reason. It is by far the most important. Your partners won’t benefit if you dance around the truth. Assume people are giving you their work in order to know your sincere thoughts for how it can be improved. Sugarcoating problem areas or an author’s blind spot does them a disservice. Don’t make them guess what you mean because you’re too afraid to hurt someone’s feelings.

EXAMPLE  Honesty

Don’t Say: “This opening paragraph was ok, I liked the second one better.”

Say: “The opening paragraph was not engaging. Consider moving the second paragraph to the front. That’s where the story begins.”

Say what you mean and give concrete suggestions.

You also need to be honest with yourself. Know what you are looking to get out of critiques. If you’re hoping for a pat on the back and a confidence boost, give your work to friends and family. They’ll be happy to tell you how amazing you are. If you want to know how your writing is being interpreted and elevate a work-in-progress, then you’re ready to trust complete strangers with one of the most intimate aspects of your world.

Read Inquisitively

An architect can look at a completed building and see its components, the supporting structure, materials, era, etc. Be an architect and analyze beyond the story’s façade. Think about consistency and authenticity in the narrator’s voice. Dissect the purpose and nature of dialogue. Question every paragraph and whether it’s moving the story forward. Note if you’ve lost interest and are inclined to stop reading.  This sounds exhausting, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

EXAMPLE Reading Inquisitively

Don’t Say: “I didn’t like this character, they’re annoying.”

Say: “This character comes across as unsympathetic, particularly in lines 53 and 71. Rephrase or change word choices to avoid that.”

Use objective words and reference specific issues.

To further hone your skills, reread your favorite authors with a critical eye. Break down the elements that make those books or stories successful in your opinion. Identify the devices that those writers use and see if you can spot them in your partners’ writing. Consider how those who influence you create compelling characters and plotlines. When you know what works, errors will become glaring. Not only in others’ work but your own.

Listen

Hearing everything you’ve done wrong is a gut punch. But it’s a necessary gut punch if you’re committed to improving your writing. Resist the urge to defend or explain, the words on the page should be all the explanation your readers need. Instead, listen to the feedback quietly, and take notes. Ask questions for clarification or if there is an individual issue in your writing you’d like the group to address.

EXAMPLE Listening

Don’t Say: “I was trying to make you feel sorry for the princess that’s why I trapped her in a hole for three weeks and wrote about every single day in detail.”

Say: *crickets*

Let your writing speak for you.

Pay close attention when your fellow writers critique someone else’s work, this can give you additional insight. They might present an issue or solution that didn’t occur to you. When you’re giving feedback, listen if the person you’re critiquing chooses to speak. Are they getting defensive? This could mean that your critique is personal, not objective, or they’re not ready for their work to be analyzed. Adjust your approach accordingly.

As much as groups are important, at the end of the day, the decision to make any change is up to the writer—no one else. If you’re already being honest, reading inquisitively, and listening, then congratulations! You’re a great critique partner!