Here are some basics to think about while critiquing.

1. When reading the manuscript, if it makes you stop, mark it even if you are not sure why.
2. Using Track Changes, type your comments directly on the manuscript but summarize the most important problems you discovered or questions you really wish to discuss with the group at the end or back of the manuscript. (A separate page is acceptable too.) Now that we’re using Track Changes, you can add comments easily on the manuscript.
3. Consider the following when evaluating a manuscript:

1. ACTION: Look for active verbs rather than passive ‘Be’ verbs. Do the characters move, react and respond to the elements around them?
2. PACE: Is the story moving quickly enough or too fast? Does it feel slow? Do you feel like the story is skipping important information or events?
3. SEQUENCING: Are actions, descriptions, dialogue and reactions taking place in the best order?

• DIALOGUE: Is the dialogue realistic, but to the point?
• CHARACTERS: Can you relate to the characters? Are they well developed? Do they act and react in a consistent manner?
• GRAMMAR & SPELLING: Does poor grammar and/or spelling interfere with your ability to read and comprehend the manuscript?
• FORMAT: Is the manuscript written in proper format? Is the author familiar with proper formatting?
• CONTINUITY: Continuity errors are very important to mark. When descriptions or facts contradict an earlier statement, this is a continuity error. Ex.: the night sky sparkled with stars. Jane shielded her eyes from the sun’s glare.
• OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: Give the overall impression of what you read, how it all came together. Remember, just saying, “Good job,” does not help the author, nor does, “needs work.”

Always try to list/mention at least one good thing about the piece. Encouragement is what we’re all about.—article by Marquel White (third WRCG Director)

Please use Track Changes when critiquing.  Articles explaining how are in the Members only Files section of the website or you can Google Track Changes for instructions. 

When you are finished critiquing, please save the file as “Critiqued by your name, name of file by authors name” and upload it to the author’s folder under Pick-ups on the Google Drive

Please keep your critique to 5 minutes. You can just mention the highlights, and they can read the rest later.

* Person being critiqued should not talk until end of critiques.

* If the critiquer asks a question, wait until the end of the critiques before answering them.

* We must be out of Maxey Park by 8:00 PM (preferably by 7:55) so we need to start putting up the computer by 7:45. Skype will be shut down at 7:45 PM.

If you have any questions about procedures or submissions, please feel free to contact our Director, Dan Dwayne.

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