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It seems like I am forever going on about criticism and having my work critiqued. For my birthday this year, I’m asking for Thick Skin as per my post on things writers should ask for. July 30, take note. 
I realized today that I don’t like critiquing other people’s work. I figured out why as I was contemplating the topic. It’s not that I’m not good at it; it’s more that I need exact rules on what I need to say when I give feedback on someone’s piece (okay, okay. I also don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings). In typical CC fashion, I perused the Interwebz for rules or guidelines that will help me critique. I spotted this website that had some insightful information. Copy + Paste = Helpfulness.
- Don’t read other critiques of this story yet.
Doing so would likely bias your review. The author would much prefer your unbiased and fresh impression
2. Write down your impressions as a reader.
Was the story captivating from the very first few paragraphs? Did you enjoy reading it? What type of person would this book appeal to? Do you think that the story or book has sales potential?
3. Try to give feedback on what could be changed.
Remember, the purpose of writing a critique is twofold: (1) identify the weaknesses in the piece and (2) offer some constructive advice to the author that might lead to improvement in the story. Bashing the author without providing something useful is really unprofessional
4. Give examples of improvements, if possible.
When you give an example of a better way to do what you pointed out, you make your point much clearer to the author. As they say, ‘an example is worth a thousand words’.
5. Praise where praise is due.
Did you remember to add some positive comments on the piece, where the author did something you thought was very good?
“I feel I have a decent critical eye. But when I think I see a touchdown, I cheer. That’s feedback, too. Why should all the mistakes find their targets, but the successes meet with only silence–leaving the poor writer, who has poured out her/his heart, with nothing but: no, no, no, … As [critics], don’t we have a responsibility to not only point out what needs changing, as we see it, but also what worked and why, so the writer WON’T change it and will be encouraged to produce more of the same?” – J. R. Lankford (Jilla)
6. Never criticize the author personally. Focus your attention on the story as written
7. Critique as you would want to be critiqued.
Ask yourself before you post or mail a critique: Is this an example of the way I would like to be treated?
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It gives some other tips on things like looking for plot holes and commenting on POV. I liked the reminder to take it in as a reader first. It’s easy to forget when you’re reading someone’s work to just be a reader. How many times have you been reading something for pleasure, but you find yourself picking the novel apart? I’m not that type of person and I almost feel like critiquing wants to turn me into that type of person. Read for pleasure first and then think about the parts that may not work.
Something I’ve always been told when offering constructive criticism to others is to soften it. That means a compliment before, criticism in the middle, and a compliment after. That way the person you’re offering criticism to isn’t just hit in the face with all the things that did wrong. Nothing destroys a person more when they are taking the step to show their work then being critiqued and not hearing a single good thing. Crushed!
Now here’s another topic to think about: The dreaded Inner Critic!
*Gasp*
I know, friend, I know. No one hates your work more than you do, no one has worse things to say, no one can make you feel lower. What advice do I have to combat them?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any stellar advice. I just write (or edit) through her until she disappears. If I have a piece of work that makes me want to cry (not in a good way) after I’m done writing, then I write something else until she shuts up. She’s got a loud mouth and is never satisfied, but I don’t let her derail me. I want to write and she can’t stop me. So, I guess that’s my advice.
Keep writing until your inner critic shuts the heck up. The craft of writing is hard enough without that internal voice nagging you.
Hey! Does anyone else have any tips for critiquing or silencing the inner critic? We’re all friends here, share away. 
The inner critic is so hard to silence! I think the best way is to just keep writing through it. At least, that’s what I do.
I also feel odd critiquing others work! Part of the reason is just because I’m very particular with what I like, so sometimes it’s hard for me to step out of my little box of preferences. I don’t want to be too hard because I know many people like different things. But then I feel paranoid because what if I’m not being hard enough on them? The etiquette is very confusing for me! Those are some very helpful tips though, thanks for posting them!
I always worry I’m not offering enough constructive criticism. It’s a matter of not wanting to hurt someone else’s feelings because I know how sensitive I can be. Thanks for your comment.
I’ve always heard the phrase “Supportive, but honest,” but it’s a fine line. Writing a good crit is an art all on its own. One perspective is: “Help the person write the book that they are trying to write.”
As you mention, offering examples and suggestions for improvement is really the key. I often see people say things like: “Oh I didn’t really like X” or “Y was alright.” Or my favorite: “It was good.”
No wonderful tips unfortunately, but I think we are often our own worst critics. It can be a good thing as it can make us push ourselves harder, but sometimes I think we need to reminds ourselves to give us a break sometimes too.
We need to go easier on ourselves.
Thanks for commenting
Gotta love the criticism sandwich (compliment, criticism, compliment). You’d be surprised by how receptive even the most stubborn person can be if you word your criticism just right.
I wonder if we can serve ourselves a criticism sandwich whenever we look over our own writing.
Thanks for sharing the tips!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I use to hate critiquing others work until my current writing tutor gave me a slip of paper with these questions on:
Did the title grab you?
How about the opening paragraphs?
Characters:Were they believable?
Was there a strong plot?
How about the ending, was it satisfying?
Does it suit the market the writer is aiming for?
Quite often when we read or hear a story it triggers ideas for our own story. Did this give you an idea for a story?
We’re not allowed to give 1 word answers, and if we have to be critical in a negative way, we have to follow it up with a positive.
Now I work from this list I don’t mind critiquing the other members of the groups work, as we all use the same slips which get handed to the person who’s work we’re looking at
xx
I may have to utilize this too. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Vikki, this is great advice. A simple checklist is easy to follow.
I’m never too sure if I’m commenting the form or the subject. I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings either…and at times all I can come up with is “Great post!” which I usually delete because it is so lacking in creativity! LOL
I understand and feel the same way a lot of the time. Sometimes just saying its a good post is all the feedback people need.
I really appreciate this post. The suggestions from the website are very good. I also like what you said about writing through your critic until she disappears. I am happier with my work with each new draft, and it is a good feeling to read over it and realize that you have finally gotten it right. Don’t let the goblin whispering into your ear win. Brush it off your shoulder, pat yourself on the back, and get back to work!
I’m hoping I can say my drafts are better the further along I get. My inner critic is especially loud post story.