Criticism from readers is part of the writer’s life, so feedback from a trusted source can be valuable in producing a final draft. Making sure that feedback is constructive not only benefits another writer but also helps us to become more thoughtful readers.
Read the Work Thoroughly
Having agreed to read another person’s work, make the time to so with full attention. Ideally, read it once through, then go back and read it again, making notes. The second reading can help to identify the features of the writing that made a first impression.
Make notes of technical glitches on the manuscript rather than spending workshop time discussing mis-placed apostrophes. Agreeing a shorthand system in advance for a writing group or individuals planning to work together regularly can be a useful time-saver. However, if the presentation is so poor it hindered the reading, it is a fair comment to say so.
Identify Strengths First
Keep the critique succinct and identify the positive first – what’s already working? Be specific about techniques which are effective and give examples. Saying a piece is fantastic may be a great morale booster but make sure that even the most positive and enthusiastic comments offer the writer a starting point from which they can review their own strengths and weaknesses.
Forget Personal Preferences
As Ursula le Guin advises, ‘It’s the writing that’s under discussion, not the writer.’ (Steering the Craft (The Eighth Mountain Press, 1998), p. 153). Avoid comments on the subject matter and author’s aims or character. Fascinating or controversial material and intentions may lead to an interesting discussion at a different time, but are nothing to do with writing quality.
It the subject matter made reading difficult, say so, but then make a point of setting that aside and addressing the writing. If the material triggers memories or ideas, then say so, as the ability to resonate with a reader’s experience is a strength, but keep any related anecdotes until the workshop is over. The coffee break is a good time for discussions arising from the writing. Keeping a close eye on the task in hand helps the process.
Do any Questions Arise?
In making suggestions, remember that personal opinion does not make something ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ and avoid saying what ‘should’ be done to improve the work.
Consider any areas that raise questions or seemed unclear. Is the viewpoint consistent? Are characters well-rounded? Is the plot believable? Be willing to consider the criteria for the genre even if it is not a personal favourite – does the material work in those terms?
Asking these questions will help identify areas that need more work but stress that they are rhetorical – lengthy explanations or justification from the writer do not advance the process.
Does the Writing Stimulate the Mind’s Eye?
If we can ‘see’ whatever the writing is about as a result of strong imagery or powerful description, this is worth commenting on. If, however, the context is vague or images unhelpful, then saying so can help the writer refine or expand as necessary.
Do As You Would Be Done By
Most of us have had a teacher, or perhaps seen writing forums, that set out to destroy in the name of honesty. If giving an honest opinion – and all opinions are open to debate – involves being harsh, especially deliberately, this reveals far more about the reviewer than the writing.
Treating other people’s work with the respect we’d like our own to receive is always a good starting point for making the feedback workshop a constructive exercise.
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