These guidelines and handouts are offered to assist SCBWI members in the process of forming and managing a critique group. This is for any group of writers and illustrators who are willing to encourage each other and provide regular help to each other by offering constructive criticism of each other’s work.
Thank you to SCBWI California: Los Angeles County for the following guidelines for writers and illustrators.
WRITERS
How your critique will help another
START WITH SOMETHING POSITIVE
First point out those things the writer is already doing well – maybe the beginning of a great idea, clarity, sentence structure.
CRITIQUE THE WRITING, NOT THE WRITER
Rather than saying, “I’m not sure you want to start here?” you can say, “The story gets interesting to me on page three.”
SPEAK FROM YOUR OWN PERSPECTIVE
Acknowledge that your reaction is a personal opinion. Saying something like, “My first reaction to this part was….” Or “I found this to be…” works better than “this part of your story is…”
BE SPECIFIC
Instead of saying, “You need to work on Characterization,” try to offer a specific way the writer might improve the characterization.
BRING SOMETHING NEW TO THE DISCUSSION
Instead of repeating what’s already been said, try to find something new to add. It’s okay to say “I agree with what’s been said” and then pass to the next person.
How to respond to the critiquing of your work
LET THE CRITIQUING RUN WITHOUT YOUR COMMENT
Write down notes, comments as you listen to the critique, and maybe you can address them at the end – but do not interrupt. Give the group the chance to fully evaluate your manuscript.
REMEMBER YOUR GOAL: A STRONGER MANUSCRIPT
The group is offering ideas to help you make your story stronger.
EVERY READER IS DIFFERENT
What is confusing to one reader may be perfectly clear to another. Try to relax and remember that other people’s suggestions are just that, their suggestions. You, the writer, have final say on any changes you make and why.
TRY NOT TO BE DEFENSIVE
If several readers agree that a scene is confusing, then you need to separate yourself from the love of your words and listen to the suggestions being offered.
For added support in receiving critiques, check out Surviving Criticism.
ILLUSTRATORS
How your critique will help another
START WITH THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE WORK
First point out those things the illustrator is already doing well in such areas as overall presentation, continuity, consistency, subject matter, perspectives, composition, marketability.
SPEAK FROM YOUR OWN PERSPECTIVE
Acknowledge that your reaction is a personal opinion. Saying something like, “My first reaction to this part was….” Or “I found this to be…” works better than “this part is…”
BE SPECIFIC
Instead of saying, “You need to work on Composition,” try to offer a specific way the illustrator might improve the composition.
BRING SOMETHING NEW TO THE DISCUSSION
Instead of repeating what’s already been said, try to find something new to add. It’s okay to say “I agree with what’s been said” and then pass to the next person.
Things to look for in critiquing:
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Having the same characters in different narrative settings, doing different activities, and showing different expressions and moods.
REPRESENTATIONS
Of children and/or animals – both if both are done well.
STYLE AND ATTITUDE
Competent and consistent, not confusing. Think about reproduction – be careful of grays, browns, and muddied colors.
KID-FRIENDLY AND ACCESSIBLE
Work should be highly original, unique, and provocative.
How to respond to the critiquing of your work:
LET THE CRITIQUING RUN WITHOUT YOUR COMMENT
Write down notes, comments as you listen to the critique, and maybe you can address them at the end – but do not interrupt. Give the group the chance to fully evaluate your work.
REMEMBER YOUR GOAL: A STRONGER PORTFOLIO
The group is offering ideas to help you make your work stronger.
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT
What is confusing to one may be perfectly clear to another. Try to relax and remember that other people’s suggestions are just that, their suggestions. You, the illustrator, have final say on any changes you make and why.
TRY NOT TO BE DEFENSIVE
If several agree on one aspect of your work, then you need to separate yourself from the love of your art and listen to the suggestions being offered.
Here are some helpful handouts (thank you SCBWI New Jersey!) you can download, print, and distribute to group members.
Top Tips on Giving a Helpful Critique
Making the Most of Receiving a Critique
Helpful Talking Points for Critiques
And an ever-helpful reminder about Surviving Criticism without Losing Confidence in Your Work from PositiveWriter.com.