Writing invigorates as the story in your mind, once a small lump rattling around in the brain, builds and grows until the pieces crystalize into a complete work. Characters, born from imagination and fleshed out on paper, come to life. Plot lines twist and curve, revealing surprises and unexpected elements, and an idea turns into a story. However, the story isn’t perfect; the little gem still needs polishing.
The next step requires submitting your work to those rare treasures trusted to provide feedback and direction needed to turn the rough gem into a shining beauty. Critique Partners will find those hidden flaws, unnoticed errors, and jagged edges dulling the tale. Critique partners are a valuable resource, and every writer needs them.
My first attempt to find these resources started amongst my family and friends. They all love and encourage me, and were as shocked as I was when the rejection letters arrived.
After picking myself up, slapping some bandages over the still-bleeding wounds, and re-evaluating my situation; I realized I needed more help. The key question was where to find critique partners.
I started my search by reading, listening to, and investigating any available advice on the subject, but none of the information fit me perfectly. I am still searching for a magic formula, and have learned a few things during my hunt for those jewels among writers who fit well with me.
First, find potential candidates. There are many resources to help locate other writers: online groups, professional associations, even twitter and Facebook. Try them all, or try the ones you feel most comfortable using. My best resource are writing groups, specific to my genres, because, let’s be honest, a mystery writer is probably not enthused by my Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, or Young Adult works, and I’m not the best candidate to critique a mystery.
Second, ask for help. Critique partners will not appear the second you decide you need one. No one knows you’re looking if you don’t say anything especially in this age – the digital wallflower doesn’t exist, nobody sees him.
Third, trade writing samples to make sure you are comfortable with each other’s work, and be honest about your shortcomings. Make sure the other person knows what to expect, and what to review or not review. Grammar and punctuation are not my strong suits until revision 10 of a story. I’ve chased away a few critique partners because my early submissions contain errors, and although my process altered to reduce the number of mistakes a critique partner finds, I’m not willing to change my entire process – it’s working for me. My punctuation shortcoming is something I always tell potential candidates, to save anyone from undue headaches trying to chase down missing commas.
Fourth, if you don’t think the partnership will work, say so. You will save yourself and the other person time and frustration if you’re honest.
Finally, keep trying. The biggest secret to success is persistence. Not everyone you run across will be a good partner for any number of reasons. Fight the discouragement, and try again.
As I stated earlier, we all need critique partners. You love the story; the writing is a treasure you created. Good critique partners will help you perfect your work, and make it shine. I’ve met a few people who are fortunate enough to work with a perfect team, and many more who are still searching. Me, I am blessed with a good team, and am thankful for every member, but am still looking for a few good women or men.
As I continue my search, I’ll add information to this topic. Check in for updates, inspiration, and nuggets of wisdom as I stumble upon them.
