December 2016

Think Like an Editor: How to Deliver a Critique Like a Pro

Even for thick-skinned writers, receiving criticism is rarely easy. But giving criticism can be even more challenging—especially to a writer friend or a member of your critique group. Most writers will insist that they can handle honest feedback, but if you find issues with their plot and pacing, can you express your concerns without crushing any egos? And if you love your critique partner’s story but have no idea why, should you say this at all? Based on her years as an in-house and freelance editor, Sangeeta Mehta provides the essentials on how to deliver constructive criticism. She will cover: *The pros and cons of the “sandwich” technique and the “rule of 3” *The macro vs. the micro critique *How to focus on the craft of writing vs. the business of writing *The difference between suggestive and directive critiquing *The trap of over-critiquing *Getting beyond "I liked it" Providing critiques is an art that can improve with practice. And by developing the ability to constructively critique others’ writing, we can all take our work to the next level.