When our local InScribe writers group began, we gradually brought more and more items to critique. Often our comments centred on the techniques of grammatical structures. We soon realized we needed more in-depth analysis. I knew that effective critiquing encourages and elevates excellent writing, both for the writer and those critiquing.

While I had received a number of guidelines for critiquing, I needed to pray for discernment and new strategies. Through contact with other group leaders and through trial and error, I came up with discoveries that work for us—and may work for you. 

FOR THOSE PROVIDING CRITIQUES 

Ask in what ways the writer needs feedback and how you can help.

Emphasize the positive aspects of the piece. Tell what resonates with you. The writer needs to know what she’s done effectively, not just reminders of what she needs to improve.

Be specific in your comments. Give fresh insights that bring into focus the unrealized potential of both the writer and the piece.

Cover various components of writing. The rubrics for our InScribe Fall Contest provide good guidelines to follow, and include the major genres of writing.

Keep critiques short, perhaps 15 minutes. Otherwise, if the session continues, the discussion can drift into personal sidelines or theological discussions beyond the scope of the piece. It can be easy to over-critique.

Don’t repeat a point another person has given; it belabours the process and the writer usually “gets” what the first person is recommending.

If necessary, guide the writer to other helpful resources.

FOR THE WRITER WHOSE WORK IS BEING CRITIQUED

Bring copies for each reader. In addition, email your document to your group members a day or two earlier so that they have a chance to preview your work.

Choose a maximum of three pages or two poems. This is enough for your readers to comment adequately.

Clarify what particular aspects of your piece you want others to comment on. Perhaps an idea or area you’re having difficulty with. Or something that you can’t quite articulate. Or a section where you need confirmation on your ideas.

You may wish to read your piece aloud or have the group read silently.

Avoid going into detail on what you haven’t included.  The reader sees only what’s on the page. The piece needs to stand on its own.

Refrain from getting into a dialogue, debates, or arguments withthose who are critiquing. This is a time to listen, to absorb their feedback. Be receptive to their comments.

Write their comments and suggestions. Doing so will refresh your mind when you come to revise your work.

In the end, the decision is yours as to what advice you incorporate or leave out. As the saying goes, “Take the best and leave the rest”.

There are actually many other strategies for critiquing, and these only scratch the surface of possibilities. Each group has a unique composition of personalities and skills that will enable you to effectively tailor your own critiquing processes.

What other strategies have you found valuable? I’d love to hear your comments.