How to Critique Creative Writing

If you are commenting by hand, use blue ink so the notes stand out.

Critiquing creative writing requires sound judgment and sensitvity. Your comments should point out the strengths as well as the weaknesses of the piece and perhaps offer ways for the writer to improve. Submitting writing for review can be daunting for many writers, so keep the author's feelings in mind as you craft your critique. Harsh criticism will be discouraging, but too much praise may mask legitimate problems. Be honest and tactful with the writer so that she can make the most of your valuable viewpoints and advice.

Instructions

1. Read the entire piece through once to get a general impression of the work. Don't skim, but avoid laboring over specific elements of the piece. If you see an occasional spelling error or typo, go ahead and mark it. If there are numerous mistakes throughout the piece, just add a general request for a spell check at the top of the story.

2. After the first reading, write a short paragraph giving your initial impression. Keep your comments constructive. If you found your mind wandering during the story, don't just remark that you were bored. Find sections that held your attention, and suggest the writer keep that pacing throughout the piece, pinpointing the sections that could use some work. If the humor in the piece fell flat, find the author's strengths (action, dialogue, description, etc.), and suggest leaving the humor out to let those strong points shine through.

3. Read the piece again for continuity, character development, dialogue, descriptive passages and plot points. Make notes in the margin (or in a word processor file, if reading online, noting the page and paragraph in question before each comment) as you go. Note your favorite moments; when you felt lost in the plot; continuity errors; and uneven pacing.

4. Review the paragraph you wrote after your initial reading, adding any specifics that might clarify your first impression. Again, keep it constructive. Note the strengths and weaknesses of certain characters, or surprising plot twists and why they did or did not work.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using red pen, as it can feel overly critical, or black, as it can be hard for the writer to find your comments within the text. Blue ink is a neutral, easily-visible option.

• If you've made marks within the text that the author may miss, put a checkmark or "x" in the margin beside the comment

References

• College of DuPage; Guidelines for Writing a Critique; Assistant Professor Tammie Bob