The Benefits of GIVING Critiques

[Andy]

Let’s Start with a story! :laugh:

Little Joey is a new writer. He’s been working on his book for six weeks, and he’s interested in getting useful comments about his work. Comments by writers who know really know what they’re talking about. So he joins a website, posts his work. People comment on it. He posts some more, and gets some more comments. But after three weeks, people start to notice that he hasn’t been giving critiques to any other people. Member A tells him this. Then Member B, who brings it to the attention of Super Mod A. He is told to start giving his fair share, or get out. Little Joey thinks that he’d be better off writing and editing his story on his own. After all, critiques take a long time. Wouldn’t that time be better spent on his own writing than other peoples’? Who cares what they write, anyway? Little Joey quits, and retreats to his room, with no intention to go to a writing forum again.

Unfortunately, Little Joey made a bad decision. He could have benefited in numerous ways from giving critiques, but he never realized that, and his writing will suffer.

So, how in the world can you get better as a writer by critiquing other peoples’ work? How does that make any sense? Well, it does.

When you critique something, you read it. You automatically get the benefits gained from reading unfamiliar work:

Reading can inspire you.

Maybe you end up reading a short story with a really unique character, and you decide to create your own similar character. Or maybe it’s the way that poem is told. Perhaps the story’s sense of mystery appeals to you, or the way the author is able to put you on the edge of your seat. Your poem may be lacking things that you’d never realize until you find those things in another piece.

Sort of like having a camera and finding a brilliant accessory later on, you’ll never know unless you go searching. Critiquing is an excellent way to read more. Best of all, YWO is full of all types of work, so you can find things in many genres that could really spice up your own work.

Increase your vocabulary.

What better way to find out what a word means than to see it used in literature? Finding new works in other stories and learning how to use them properly will make you a better writer.



There are many benefits gained from giving critiques that you won’t get from simply reading.

Find errors that can be used to help your own work.

It’s a proven fact that people find errors a lot more easily with unfamiliar writing than with their own writing. You might critique a story and think, This person didn’t give me enough time to bond with their main character. Then you realize, Whoa! My story didn’t do that, either. And you fix it.

People will like you more.

Generally, people will be happy when you critique their stuff, because you put a lot of effort into improving something that wasn’t your own. It’ll help you bond with other writers, and who knows what other ways they’ll be able to help you? They probably have resources that they can share, other tips and experiences you can benefit from…it’s much more than you’ll ever get if you don’t critique. And sometimes, only a writer can help a writer, so it’s good to have friends in writing. Did I mention the YWO staff and other members will also like you more, because you’re contributing to the site’s helpful atmosphere?

Those people tend to critique your stuff in return.

It’s only fair, right? You helped a writer with their story. They get to know and like you, and they want to help you with yours. It’s not uncommon for two people to become critique buddies who read each others’ work all the time and offer support when you’re having trouble.

Having critique buddies can motivate you.

If you’re one of those people who has a hard time sitting down and writing, having a partner in critiques can help get you on your butt and working. If it’s your turn to give the other person something to read/critique, and you don’t have anything ready to give, you’ll probably finish it sooner than if nobody was eagerly waiting to read it.

It's good for your self-esteem..

Other people are waiting to see your work. And you've been helping others, too. That makes you feel good about your writing, doesn't it?

You contribute to a work’s success.

Imelda pointed this out in her critique guide. How would you feel if you had gotten the chance to critique J.K. Rowling’s work and help her make it better? Wouldn’t that be awesome? The same could happen here, because there’s nothing stopping any of the other members on YWO from getting published. Remember, every published writer started out somewhere.



Now you see everything that Little Joey missed out on. He’s all alone in his room, depressed, correcting all his own mistakes (if he can find them). Meanwhile, there’s loads of resources and people he never got the chance to see because he didn’t see the benefits of giving critiques. You know better. So go out there and critique!

EDIT: If you have any benefits to add to this post, post them and you'll be given credit. :)