Critique
Guidelines
General
Guidelines
1.
Always begin by praising the writer for the good features of
his/her work.
2.
Never attack the writer’s abilities. Instead, make positive
suggestions that might improve the work by focusing on problem areas and
weak spots, offering ideas to improve the clarity of the work.
3.
Be sensitive and gentle with comments.
4.
Give general and specific advice.
5.
Try to suggest possible markets for the writer’s work.
6.
Encourage the writer to ask questions regarding the critic’s
suggestions.
7.
Each critique reflects ONLY the opinion of the critic and the
author always has the final decision in changes made before submitting
his/her work to an editor.
8.
We don’t expect the same level of excellence from novice and
experienced writers. We’re all here to learn from one another.
What
to Avoid
1.
Grammar and mechanics are important and should be mentioned, but
avoid being overly picky. The critique should concentrate mainly on
the body of the work, structure, and clarity of content.
2.
Avoid arguing with your critics. Evaluate each comment
objectively, praying for wisdom and grace to view criticism as a pathway
for growth.
3.
Reminder: Members need to keep personal opinions about content to
themselves. If a disagreement occurs, those in leadership will halt the
meeting and call for an “agreement to disagree.”
Format
of Critique Sessions
v
Writers
desiring to be critiqued must first email a copy of their work within the
body of an email to the Director of
Words For The Journey Christian Writers Guild
- Sharen
Watson (Colorado); Linda Kozar (Texas). This is a safeguard for our group
to keep objectionable or questionable material from being read without our
knowledge.
v
A
time limit will be established according to need. Generally, this means
3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman. If we have more time
available, we will allot it accordingly.
v
The
writer is to provide copies of the portion to be read to members of the
group. This
will provide members the opportunity to offer written comments to be
collected and returned to the writer after his/her critique.
What
to Pay Special Attention To
1.
The Beginning
– Does the first paragraph grab attention? Do you want to continue
reading? Is it appropriate to the content?
2.
Attitude
– Is the writer convinced and excited about what he/she has written?
3.
Body
– Is there enough material? Or, is it repetitive of the same
material?
4.
Structure
– Is it well organized? Logical?
5.
Writing Style
– Is it tightly written? Clutter? Does it read easily?
Flow?
6.
Clarity
– Is the meaning clear? Readers should walk away with something of
value, with a clear indication of the message they just read.
7.
Market
– Is it timely? Or is the idea old and overused? Is the
market saturated with the same idea already? Market Guides
referenced? If the idea is already “out there,” does the writer
offer a fresh look or different twist on the subject?
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