Do you want to know what a 'Beta Reader's is? Or why a 'Critique Partner' is a valuable asset for a writer to have?
If you said yes, you are in good company.
Come along as I attempt to answer these questions and maybe a few others.
Am I qualified, y...
What is the elusive 'Critique Partner' you may ask.
Well to recap the last post:
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📌 Helping Writers Become Authors defines as:
"A Critique Partner is a fellow writer with whom you exchange critiques of your manuscripts. This, of course, means this person is indeed someone who critiques-not just your mom or your best friend who loves (or says she does) every word you've ever written. This is also, optimally, someone who understands how to balance criticism with encouragement, telling you what they like about your story as well as what needs to be improved." (emphasis mine.)
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Well, what do we do with that?
K.M. Weiland of 'Helping Writers Become Authors', has a wonderful guide to help determine if someone is the right person to be a Critique Partner for you. Or if you would be a good Critique Partner for someone else. She puts them in order of what she believes is most important.
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So...
1. Level of Experience (Someone who is at, or (optimally) a little ahead of you in their level of writing experience. Whose feedback make sense to you.)
2. Likability (Well, you may be spending quite a bit of time together, so this is very important. Make sure you genuinely like each others company, and have mutual respect for one another.)
3. Professionalism (Someone who is responsible, and takes writing seriously.)
4. Loves your story (Well, they may not like your reading...yet. But you want someone who likes to read your genre of choice, or likes your writing style.)
5. Similar Genre (Not a must. But can always be nice to have someone who is familiar with your genre. Don't discount an outside perspective though.)
6. Similar Habits (Similar workflow and critiquing preferences.)
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Do I even need a Critique Partner?
If you are unsure, the website 'well-storied' has a few questions you should ask yourself:
1. Are you lonely in your writing life?
2. Do you need help staying motivated and/or accountable?
3. Do you enjoy having someone to bounce ideas off?
4. Are you ready to look at your work analytically?
5. Are you willing to give the same energy you would expect to receive?
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📌Think carefully. Whether you are looking for a Critique Partner, or if you are considering being one, ask yourself if it's something you can actually manage. Also if you would even enjoy being apart of such an arrangement. Always best to err on the side of caution.
📌But if this type of working relationship is something you think would work for you, go for it! If you find the right person(s), the invaluable help you can receive may be worth the hunt.
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📌The wonder that is a Beta Reader. And what to look for.
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