Critique. Just the word alone makes authors cringe. Why? Because it reminds us of another word that has a negative connotation: criticism. Yet, as authors we understand the need to have another pair of eyes look closely at our manuscript and give us constructive advice and direction so we can make our book the absolute best it can be.
Some copyeditors claim you should never get a critique because it is entirely subjective. They say all you need is to get your book edited by a copyeditor and fix all the grammatical mistakes. And it’s true that getting a thorough copyedit is essential. However, in my twenty-five years of experience writing novels, becoming a multipublished author, and working professionally as a copyeditor and writing coach in the publishing industry, I have concluded that most authors—new and seasoned alike—need a critique, preferably during the early stages of their manuscript.
What Kind of Critique Do You Want?
When you look for someone to critique your “baby,” look for someone who is to not only interested in helping you make your book shine but who also wants to help you make it all you envision. A supportive critiquer will encourage you, instruct you, and help you along this rocky road. A good critique should not come across as a nice pat on the back with a few muttered words like “Good job. Keep it up.”
However, we as writers grow attached to our words, and an insensitive editor can cause a lot of pain. More than one author friend or client has cried to me in anger, frustration, and a readiness to give it all up after being subjected to an insensitive critique. It takes courage to hand over your project—this book you’ve spent months or perhaps years writing, sweating over, all the while second-guessing yourself and the merits of your book—only to have someone heartlessly rip it to shreds.
The Magic of a Critique
I have seen some of the worst manuscripts—poorly constructed, wordy, almost unreadable—turned into beautiful, well-crafted books of which their authors can be proud. I have gone on to see many of my clients get agents, land contracts, and get published because they were willing to work hard to perfect their rough work to the best of their ability. These authors show they are dedicated and willing to learn and listen. But I wonder how many (or few) of them would have dug into their necessary revisions had they been treated insensitively in a critique. Of course, there is no guarantee that if you follow all the suggestions in your critique you will get an agent or land a book contract. So many variables affect those outcomes. But applying yourself to make the changes suggested in a good critique will stretch you and teach you how to be a better writer. As you apply the things you learn, your chances of reaching your dreams will improve immensely.
A critique will give you the help you need to get your manuscript or proposal in shape. Your book is competing with hundreds of thousands of others to grab the attention of an agent or publishing house, so you want to do everything you can to make sure it stands out from the rest. A critique is the first important step you can take to ensure your novel will have a chance of being picked up.
How to Find a Good Critique
Once you decide maybe you do need to take this first step, do some research and ask possible editors for testimonials from clients. Start a dialogue with the editor to see if he or she comes across as friendly, accommodating, understanding, and compassionate. Take a look at their concrete experience and influence in the publishing industry. Then, when you’ve made your choice and your critique is done, take all the suggestions to heart and make the changes you feel will best suit your writing style and story. Not every comment a critiquer gives you will work for you. You’re the author and it’s your book, so weigh each suggestion and trust your intuition. As long as you keep your mind and heart open to improvement, your critique will feel less like criticism and more like a gift.
