The Value of a Good Critique

Every writer can use a solid critique of their work, especially when they are preparing their work for professional submission. Even a seasoned writer needs a partner. This is because, as writers, we are too close to our own work to see the subtle changes that need to happen within our stories to make them the best that they can be. It may be something obvious, like clarification of a character’s intent, or it might be less glaring, like tweaking a sentence to change the meaning behind the words of the story just slightly.

However, just as not all writers write exactly the same, not every critique partner will be alike, either. Here are a few suggestions for finding the right critique partner for your fantasy/sci-fi genre stories.

Writer groups. Most authors seek to belong to at least one writer group that meets locally. This is the most personal way to find a critique partner that might be right for you. Take care to choose someone who writes within the fantasy/sci-fi genre and doesn’t have too contrasting of a voice between their work and your own. This will help you both to focus on your stories, without getting distracted with style or genre differences. The benefit of a local critique partner is that you can meet together in person, as often as you like. But don’t get discouraged if you don’t click with anyone in your hometown. There are other ways to connect with fellow writers, as well.

Online groups. With the dawn of social media, many authors have some sort of online presence. Take a look at writer groups that your fellow writer friends are part of or ones that they follow, and then join them, too. Here you can watch the chatter within the group and find someone with a similar writing style that you think might work well with you as a critique partner. Establish an online relationship with them by commenting on their posts or responding to their comments on other posts. Then reach out to them through a personal message explaining why you think you would work well together. Be sure to establish a working relationship with them first, so they can separate you from a stranger whose message they may dismiss.

Conferences. Once again, here you will have the personal edge when searching for a critique partner. A conference is a great place to network and meet fellow writers you otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet. There’s no need to find a partner who lives in the same town as you, since it’s just as easy to communicate electronically. Find the right person with whom you click the best. Understanding your partner’s writing style and voice is more important than living in the same time zone. Passing along critiques to one another can be as simple as commenting on a Word doc emailed once a week, or it can be more in-depth with a weekly or monthly Skype call where you can talk face-to-face.

Take your writing to the next level and engage with a critique partner. Not only will you glean valuable information from the comments your partner suggests on your own work, but you’ll grow as a writer as you critique their work, as well.

Laura L. Zimmerman is a homeschooling mama to three daughters and a doting wife to one husband. Besides writing, she is passionate about loving Jesus, singing, drinking coffee and anything Star Wars. You can connect with her on Twitter @lauralzimm, Instagram @lauralzimmauthor, on Facebook and at her website Caffeinated Fiction.