Are you making a mistake when critiquing other writers? Whether you critique in online communities or meet in person, critiquing has a set of rules you should know before agreeing to check someone else’s writing. Focusing on fiction, here is a standard formula anyone can use to become a master at giving writing critiques:

1. Bread

Start the writing critique sandwich by telling what you liked (the bread). Writing is a private and intimate thing we do. When we share our work with others, it’s our baby on display, and we don’t want to hear that you think our baby is ugly! Even if you struggle with the piece of writing you’re critiquing, there is always something nice you can say, such as “good dialogue” or “I like this image.” Find some kind words. If nothing else, at least say, “This is interesting writing, and I can see you put a lot of work into it.”

2. Fillers

When you get to the sandwich fillers, the “meat” of the writing, look for more than just grammar issues. Here are some questions to consider:

·         What do you think of the first sentence?

·         Does the beginning draw you in and hold your attention?

·         Does the ending provide a clear conclusion and relate to the beginning?

·         Are there areas that don’t make sense?

·         Are there sensory details that could be added to help the reader picture the images more clearly?

·         Where could metaphors, similes, or personification be added to bring the story to life?

·         Are the details accurate and relevant?

·         Are there words or areas that can be cut without changing the story?

·         Is there a good mix of dialogue and narrative?

·         Are there repeated or overused words that could be changed?

·         Is the title appropriate and memorable?

Let the writer know if some work is needed with conflict, tension, characterization, theme, point of view, or plot. Look for vague words or confusing areas along with words and descriptions that could be more specific. Most importantly, give suggestions on how the writing could be improved.

3. Bread

A writing critique should start with the praises, consider different options for fillers in the middle, and end with another piece of bread on top. In other words, end by telling the person what you liked the most and giving encouragement that the writing has potential. As a critiquer, your job is to help the writer improve. Yes, if something tastes bad, it may need to be changed, but remember you are not the one who will make final decisions on changes, nor are you a content judge regarding the subject matter. Your job is to make suggestions on what you know about writing concepts to help the writer improve.

Giving and receiving writing critiques educates us and helps us become better writers. Keep critiques supportive of the writer’s efforts. Tell more about what you liked than what you didn’t like. Remember, your work will need a good critiquer too, and what comes around goes around. . . .