What happens if your critique partner(CP) starts off by saying, "Don't take it personal, but this needs a lot of work."? How do you handle a situation when your CP tells you that you should trash the novel? What do you say to a CP, whose work is better than you could ever write? How should you critique someone's work when you can't even finish reading it? It's time to apply your critique-ette.
Last week, we talked about finding that special critique partner. If you missed it, no fear. Read it HERE.
This week is all about what not to do when receiving critiques. (Of course, I'm going to follow-up with what to do in these situations.) I know I haven't yet discussed how to actually write a good critique. It's coming I assure you. But would you go to a big, fancy dinner, where they have a thousand utencils and several glasses, without first knowing good etiquette? Maybe you would, but you might look like Pretty Woman, letting the poor snail soar through the air. It would be embarrassing for you and most likely the host. Chances are you wouldn't be invited to another dinner.
Same with a critique partner. If you want to be able to send other works to him, you need to develop a good rapport. Thus, you need to know critique-ette before you jump into the nitty gritty.
First, let's get the definition of criticism clear when an author asks for it. Today's society, it tends to mean only negative, but that's not the original or the definition any author means. It's this:
Criticism= noun. the analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.
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| Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Now, with that in mind...
5 things not to do when receiving a critique:
1. What to do if...
You're critique partner tells you your WIP(Work-in-Progress) stinks worse than elephant poo and would be much better if it were in the garbage.
DON'T...
Strangle your CP or write him a nasty email threatening sudden death to him and his grandchildren's children's children.
Seriously, it sucks. But it happens. Especially through email, it can be easy to forget that there is a person with feelings on the other end. I was actually told once what I wrote in the opening. Someone actually emailed me, "Don't take this personal, but it needs a lot of work." WTH. That's it? Of course, I'm going to take this personal. My WIP is my baby. I brought it to life. But that doesn't matter. I get that this might have been an attempt at being kind. If it would have been followed with actual advice and suggestions, I could have overlooked that, but it wasn't. That was it.
Side Note: Never...Let me repeat this....NEVER throw away a novel. I don't care how bad it really is. It can be fixed. You had an idea. Maybe it didn't work right now, but maybe after a few days, months, years in storage, you may know exactly how to fix it later. Don't do this to yourself. Trust me.
DO...
Take a deep breath and walk away. Calm down. Gain composure. Of course, it's personal, but you asked for feedback because it will make you a better writer, and your work stronger. Not everyone will like it, but hopefully they will be more sensitive. Some people just can't get through their thick skulls that criticism does not mean bashing and tearing down (Probably the same people who, as children, didn't learn "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all." It means pointing out strengths and weaknesses and offering advice in a polite manner. It can be hard to get past that one derogatory line. I tend to block everything else and only see that, but push through. One thing is for sure--they are brutally honest. They may actually have kind things beneath that. It may have been their attempt at a twisted joke. HaHa. Probably not, but they will share what they think is the right way to write this and that may or may not be helpful to you. Nevertheless, this is just one person's opinion. Sort through the insensitive jargon, take what's helpful, delete the email, burn it, or end all work with that person. It's your choice. :)
2. What to do if...
Your CP gives you a four-sentence critique on a novel.
DON'T...
Tell him he's incompetent and probably can't read.
DO...
Try to understand your CP. Two things here: The person may only be in this to get feedback on their novel and doesn't really want to help anyone else. This is hard to determine. I would probably write back, "Thank you for your feedback. [State the things they suggested and how you can improve on that.] Are these all of your suggestions?" I would probably suggest they read my blog posts on critiquing (especially since I will have a downloadable guideline on what to look for while critiquing) and see what they say to that. Because the other thing could be that they just don't know how to give a critique. Many don't. I had to teach my students when I was a teacher. It's not easy. If they don't seem to want to help further, I would stop his critique and send him what I did do, thank him, and say we aren't a good match. If it looks like he is willing to try, that's a good CP. They'll get better with practice. We all do.
3. What to do if...
Your CP tells you he loves your work and wouldn't change a thing. Yet, you get your file back with nothing but red ink all over the place.
DON'T...
Ignore the red and think your work is ready to publish.
DO...
Read through the edits. Just like the first example was too honest, this is the other end. Some people struggle with telling someone something is not good. I would hold more weight on the parts he edited on the actual WIP. When you write back, thank him for the suggestions that are helping you and show him how you are fixing them. He will most likely get more comfortable as your relationship progresses and be more honest in a kind way. Two thumbs up.
4. What to do if...
You've finished your critique of your CP's WIP and sent it, but it's taking much, much longer to hear back from your CP.
DON'T...
Bring them to Judge Judy or Judge Mathis.
DO...
Keep in touch with them. Yes, they haven't met their contractual obligations. If done through internet, you do have a written contract by just agreeing, but there's no need to get upset or assume the worst. Some people are slow readers. Some are very detail-oriented. Sometimes, life gets in the way. Unfortunately, for most writers, we have day jobs and/or other responsibilities that must come before writing. I'm not saying to use this CP again. I'm just asking for you to be understanding. If a month goes by since you sent them your revisions, and they keep writing that they're almost done. Cut ties. Move on. If you don't hear from them at all after you sent your revisions, move on after a week.
5. What to do if...
Your CP asks you to sign an NDA (Non-disclosure Agreement).
DON'T...
Tear it up or ignore it. I don't even think it warrants you to find a new CP
DO...
Sign it or at least talk about it. Hear me out. Copyright Infringement happens everyday. I know this is a hugely debatable topic in forums. It's tough to trust someone over the internet. Hell, it's tough to trust someone in real life, especially when it seems you get burned. All. The. Time. Yes, you may have built a relationship with someone before asking them to review their work, but you don't know them. I don't care how many virtual cocktails you had sharing your deepest, darkest secrets. Truth of the matter is it is so easy to lie on the internet. We should know. We're writers. We make a career of inventing stories. Why is it hard to believe it can be done to you, especially when two CPs have never published before? I don't have a problem with NDAs. In fact, I think it's good practice (I'd even be willing to create one, if y'all ask.). Legally speaking though, it's not needed on the internet. When you agree over emails, it's just as good as a written contract. Which is why I suggest that each of you list what you expect from each other before you exchange works. Not only, does this help you in a court of law, god forbid the need arises, but you will know exactly what to expect of each other. It makes the process much easier for both of you. Plus, you can drop a link to my posts on critiquing so that they know exactly how you will handle theirs, and they will probably do the same with yours.
Previous: How to find a Critique Partner/Group?
Lots of <3,
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