For years, and I do mean years, I’d read about the merits of working with critique partners and heard fellow writers recommend them. What is a critique partner? It’s a writer or group of writers who exchange sections of the story or article they are working on. I read my partner’s project and give her feedback, and she does the same for me. But the very nature of a critique partnership always stopped me from searching for one. But as I worked on my third novel, I stumbled across unexpected partners and realized that finding a great critique partner is possible.
What’s Wrong with a Critique Partner?
I had never pursued finding a critique partner for two reasons. First, with kids at home, I had to claw and fight for every minute I could devote to writing. I didn’t see how I could battle for even more time to provide feedback to another writer. Second, I’m only comfortable critiquing mysteries. I don’t know enough about other genres to provide a meaningful critique. In my writer’s group, for a long time, I was the only writer who penned traditional mysteries.
But I did see the advantages. Unlike taking a class or reading a writing craft book, a critique partner would give feedback that was specific to my story. I’ve always found that kind of tailored feedback most helpful.
So I decided working with a critique partner had to be something I’d set aside until my kids were out of school. And then I was unexpectantly blessed with the best critique partners for me.
Not One Partner But Two
I began working on my third Rae Riley mystery novel in the spring of 2024. As usual, I had grave doubts about the story. Did the first chapter grab readers’ attentions? Did the plot make sense? Did it make readers care?
I was so worried that I asked my youngest sister to read the first eleven chapters, and she suggested also having her seventeen-year-old daughter read it. Rae Riley Mysteries are written for teens, although I know a lot of adults enjoy the series too. They provided me with such helpful feedback that I had them review other sections of my novel as I completed them. My novel wouldn’t be in such great shape without them.
What Qualities Make a Great Critique Partner?
- Depth of genre knowledge. Both my sister and niece love mysteries. We talk the same language. So if a clue wasn’t working, they could tell me. Also, since they know the mystery is the primary plot, they could tell me if I was getting off track with things like family drama or minor characters.
- Thoughtful feedback. Many readers can tell you what they don’t like about a book, but they don’t always know why. My sister and niece could not only point out problems but explain why a certain plot point or character wasn’t working for them.
- Kindly critique. Because my sister is my best friend, she knew how to highlight problems in a way that wouldn’t discourage me.
And another reason my sister and niece worked so well was because they weren’t writers. I didn’t have to search for time to critique their work in return.
Finding a great critique partner takes work and time. Above all else, you have to find someone whose opinion you trust. If the trust is there, then fruitful work will follow.
I’m so happy that you’ve found two great critique partners. I had a good one back in 2002 to 2007, but she died. I’ve been looking for another ever since but finding someone who likes to read the genre of stories I write, has been tough, as well as finding someone who’s local. Online critiques don’t seem to work well with me since spending too much time on my computer is hard on my vision.
I had to get reading glasses with blue blockers to keep screens from fatiguing my eyes. I had the luxury of sitting down, in person, with my critique partners, so we could discuss the feedback. I didn’t have to play email tag to learn what they thought.