Last time I wrote briefly about how to give and take critique. To go a little deeper, we have to understand that the role of critique partner is different from the role of editor.

A developmental editor often will help a writer shape the theme or concept of a manuscript. As a critique partner, your job is to help your critique partner realize the vision they have for their book; trying to convince them to change that vision is not helpful. However, if a critique partner asks for help in shaping their theme or vision, you can chime in. Continue reading →

The second item on my list of The Three Best Things You Can Do for Your Writing Career was “Join a Writers Group.” Not all writers groups offer critiques, but even those that don’t usually provide a forum where, once you get to know people, you can invite some of them to be your critique partners.

Once you have critique partners or join a critique group, how do you give and receive criticism? As you might guess, I have a whole seminar on this topic, which I’ll be teaching this weekend at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. But for those not able to be there, here’s a summary. Continue reading →