What is critique?
Book/manuscript critique is often thought of as the plain ol’ book review.
“I really loved this book because… and I want to read more from this author.”
5 stars on Amazon
Is it, though?
A book review is one of the many ways to get more sales and readers; but there’s nothing in this review that can help improve your craft.
Creative writing is a progressive activity.
All authors/writers work on
- improving their writing style or
- learning new prose or
- experimenting with new techniques
on a daily basis.
Constructive feedback is essential for learning and self-improvement.
That’s where the book critique comes in.
Ideally, it should have constructive feedback, including in-depth analysis into the book’s theme, premise, story arc, style, POV, language, dialogue, character development, etc.
Many professional editors, writing coaches, and literary agents offer book/manuscript critique as part of their services.
The All Call Indie database lists such freelancers who can offer you the best critique based on your book’s requirement coupled with industry insights.
But, sometimes, before diving into professional book/manuscript critique, an author needs a fresh unbiased outlook.
Who do we ask? A Critique Partner!
A critique partner (CP) is usually a fellow author or writing buddy who can bring a writer’s perspective to your story.
Their feedback may be analytical and structured, or broad-based and casual. In both cases, the feedback should motivate you to improve your craft and story.
A CP will read your book in close detail, analysing the story arc, the plot twists, the key themes, the characters, the dialogue, the pacing, etc. They will point out parts that work and those that may need more development.
A CP will be happy to brainstorm ideas for plot holes or offer insights on favoured paragraphs. They may offer suggestions on concept art and cover design as well.
A CP could make your editor’s work a lot easier by pointing out basic edits, typos, grammar, etc. that can save valuable editing time and money. That way your editor can focus on the more important aspects of your story.
Where to find a CP?
Finding a CP requires a certain amount of research, networking, and building key relationships in writing communities.
Online writing groups and communities are good places to start.
- Facebook has a wide number of writing communities where you can post a call-out for a CP but it might take a while to find the right one.
- Scribophile, Reddit, and Critique Circle are great sites for book/manuscript critique. You can connect with other writers and critique each other’s work for free.
- Hashtags like #writingcommunity #indieauthors #allcallindie will connect you to thousands of writers on both instagram and twitter.
Connecting offline with local writing communities, associations, bookclubs, writing workshops, etc is also a good idea. These are targeted towards networking and might help you build long-lasting partnerships.
Remember, it’s important to offer critique in return. Just like you, other writers are also looking for CPs. So, to improve your craft and build a long-lasting partnership you should critique each other’s work.
What does a CP not do?
A CP will NOT –
- professionally edit your manuscript
- proofread your manuscript
- beta-read your manuscript
- plagiarise your story idea or writing content
- make unfair or unethical comments on your work
- change your story’s plot or your writing style
Professional editors, proofreaders and beta-readers make up separate parts of your editing process.
To learn more
Watch out for the following blog posts coming soon on All Call Indie.
- 5 Steps to Editing Your Book
- Beta-reading: Yes or No?
- Editing: A Beginner’s Guide
- Proofreading: A Beginner’s Guide
- Do’s & Don’ts of Finding an Editor
Disclaimer: All Call Indie does not charge any kind of fees for connecting authors to freelancers or any commission from freelancers for their services. It is only a database for authors to refer. All discussion related to services should be kept confidential between the author and the freelancer.
C Phillip’s official website & blog 