The Margaret Method of Critique

FAERIE editing update: I printed it out and am actually doing a hard copy edit.  I didn't want to kill too many trees so I printed in single-spaced Arial.  It seems to be working. . . for now, but I don't know how it will be to input changes.  I'll let you know!

It's been awhile since I've written about critiquing.  I touched upon it on Monday, so I thought I would give a little insight into my methods of 1) reading, 2) judging, 3) critiquing.

And yes, I actually approach them in the same manner--I'm expecting the best read of my life. That's it.  Simple, huh?  I want to read the Great American Novel. I want to keep reading when my pages are finished.

1) Books: When I pick up a book, whether it's by an author new to me or a beloved author, I want to settle down and become immersed into another world.  I'm a happy-for-now kind of gal and want the story to end on a high note.  I do have a bad habit of skimming the endings to make sure this happens. Right now, I have CHANGELESS by Gail Carriger sitting on my desk, partially read.  I seriously doubt if I'll finish it. I love her writing style and I loved SOULLESS (book #1), but CHANGELESS doesn't end on a high note.  Yeah, I cheated, and no, it wasn't categorized as a romance. I don't like stories that end with dissension, death, or other bad stuff.  Bad stuff happens in real life, I just don't want to read about it. I try to finish books, because I spent good money for them.

2) Contests: I've judged six contests so far this year.  Most contest entries are around 25-35 pages, sometimes a synopsis is included.  As a judge, we are given a score sheet that usually hits the main questions for an entry.  The categories vary depending on the contest, but for the most part they consist of:  opening hook, characterization, plot, conflict narrative/dialogue, technique/style, subgenre (unless you enter the wrong category--you should ALWAYS score full points in the subgenre, or maybe I'm just generous in this regard.  And no, having a creepy feeling walking into a house doesn't merit a PARANORMAL story, but having a conversation with a ghost does).  I'll look over the questions on the score sheet to get a general idea of the contest requirements before I start reading.  If the synopsis is included, I won't look at it until I finish the manuscript material.  I don't start judging contest entry until I'm pulled out of the story.  It could be an awkward sentence or narrative about clothes that goes on and on for pages (just judged one like that.  And it wasn't a woman in a historical novel--IT WAS A MALE, and NOT Beau Brummel!).  I'll put my comments within the manuscript and on the score sheet.  I will only judge electronic contests, so I can tweak, reword, or erase my comments if I deem them too harsh.  If the scoring system is 1-5, I will almost NEVER score below a 3.  Why?  3's get the point across that the entry isn't ready for the big times, but it doesn't devastate like a 1 or 2.  Trust me, they still hurt, but not as much.

3) Critiquing: I tend to critique like I judge.  I'll read until something feels wrong, whether it's a sentence or out of character dialogue/narrative.  I'm NOT a grammarian, so don't expect me to line edit.  It won't happen, but I'll highlight a sentence or word that is awkward or weak.  If I'm confused, I'll say it confused me. When I critique, I will usually comment on the big picture items.  I don't rewrite sentences.  I don't make suggestions (usually) HOW to improve something--it's not my job as a critter.  It's the job of the writer to fix her manuscript problems, her choice as to how to deal with it. My job is to point out a stumbling block.  The exception is if a crittee needs to cut words out of a submission, then I'll slice and dice (Right, Cyndi?) to help tighten the story.  It's hard to see the extraneous words when you are so close to your own work. Another way to catch extraneous verbiage is time.  Let a draft sit for a few months if you can--I know contracted authors don't have this luxury, but unpubs do. Then go in and slice and dice your own work.

--Another suggestion for people needing a crit (and I'm horrible at this!) don't submit your first draft for critique.  Make it a second or third draft.  When I sub a first draft, I usually just ask if I'm on the right track.  That's all I want and need at this point of my story.

--if you need a crit, please be clear about your needs.  Not everyone crits the same way.  What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for someone else.

Until later . . .

Write on!