How to Accept a Critique of a Manuscript

Every writer needs friends and colleagues who can provide honest critiques. By learning to accept a critique gracefully, a writer encourages others to continue to offer this valuable feedback.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Critique
• Manuscript

Hearing the Critique

1. Listen. Sit quietly during the critique. Don't try to argue or explain. If something the critic says isn't clear, make a note and ask about it after the critique is over.

2. Remain calm. It's painful to hear that the manuscript you worked so hard on has problems, but don't take the critique personally. Remind yourself that every reader has a unique set of experiences and expectations which will effect how your story is interpreted.

3. Thank the critic for the time and effort involved in preparing the critique.
   
   

After the Critique

4. Let your manuscript "cool off." Set it aside for a few days, along with the critic's written comments and the notes you took during the critique.

5. Decide which suggestions to incorporate into your revised manuscript and which to discard. Transfer the comments you want to incorporate onto a master copy of your manuscript and keep it on file.

6. Revise your manuscript using the marked-up master.

Tips & Warnings

• A few comments made by the critic can be attributed to personal preferences or pet peeves, but most will have some validity. Don't be too quick to dismiss a critique. However, if a critique is contrary to your vision, trust your instincts.
• If the person offering the critique is criticizing you as a writer, stop listening. Don't let this person see any more of your work. Above all, don't let this person discourage you.

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