Start Positively with Creative Writing Critique

When offering creative writing critique, always start by saying something positive about the work. This creates a friendly environment and encourages the writer to listen to what you have to say. Sometimes we call it a “praise sandwich,” because it’s a best practice to end on something positive, too. In the middle goes your honest reaction and constructive criticism. Remember that the aim of creative writing critique isn’t to sound smart or feel good about yourself, it’s about helping another writer improve. For example, you might say “This story has some great elements” or “I like the direction this piece is taking” before diving into any potential areas for improvement.

Be Specific with Suggestions

Instead of giving general comments, or value judgments, like, “I didn’t like it,” and not elaborating, try to be as specific as possible when making suggestions for improvement. Creative writing critique is useless if it’s too general or simply gives a thumbs up or thumbs down. You can point out specific sections that need work and provide concrete examples for how those sections could be changed or improved upon. Don’t be offended if the writer doesn’t use your ideas, though. Your job is to point out parts of the draft that you had a reaction to, and try to give an accurate sense of why. The more specific you are with your feedback, the easier it will be for the writer to understand what needs revision and they can make necessary edits accordingly.

Creative Writing Critique, Support, and Accountability

Your goal should always be to provide suggestions that will help improve the piece overall, rather than simply pointing out flaws without also brainstorming solutions. If there are narrative issues with a piece of writing, focus on offering ideas that could help fix those issues instead of just highlighting them. Creative writing critique can turn into a positive feedback loop of ideas, which will help foster an environment where everyone shares in a collaborative group. A good rule of thumb is if you're not sure what type of writing feedback would be useful in helping improve a piece, then don't offer it and focus on something else.

Giving creative writing critique can seem intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never done it before in a critique group or writing workshop setting, but it doesn't have to be. By following these tips—starting positively; being specific with suggestions; and focusing on solutions—you can ensure that your creative writing critique is helpful and productive for all parties involved. Better yet, every time you provide creative writing critique on someone else’s piece, you are also improving your critical eye. This will eventually filter down to enhancing your own work.

Remember that constructive criticism should always come from a place of kindness and empathy so that your peers feel supported in their work and encouraged in their storytelling craft. After all, that’s how you would like your work to be treated when you’re in the position of receiving creative writing critique.