First, Do No Harm
How to Give a Helpful Critique
By Lauren Francis

We're in a symbiotic relationship with our critique group members. You critique my work, I'll critique yours — and in turn, we both learn more about our own work and ourselves. But how does a group stay on track and avoid slipping into mushy comments or hurt feelings? Introducing the backbone of every critique group; a good, strong critique.

One critique does not fit all. Tailor your comments to your critiquee's situation, skill-level, and style. It helps to ask if there are specific items you should focus on. One advantage of an established group—you are already familiar with each member and her abilities.

And what if you perceive that the critiquee's ability is higher than yours? Guess what? We all need to work on something and we all can improve. Don't be intimidated. This person wants other opinions—your opinions. Everyone has something to learn and something to offer.

Starting Point
Examine the work as a whole. What are you opinions about overall themes, color, composition, etc? How are the words and the images working together and playing off each other? Dig down a bit and look at smaller details—the way a hand is drawn, the structure of a sentence.

Note everything that is beautiful and interesting. Also note anything that makes you stop and say, "huh?"

Those "huh?" elements are the heart of your critique.

Note: Consider reading others' comments only after you've almost finished your own. This will allow you to form your own pristine opinions of the piece. Feel free to add any additional reactions to your crit after you've read the others but don't hesitate to make a comment that someone else has already touched upon. The more times the critiquee hears the same comment, the harder she will look at that section for revision.

Hold the Mayo: The Sandwich Critique
Time to organize your observations into a digestible form. At Yellapalooza, we try to use the "Sandwich Critique." Positive/negative/positive.

First, point out all the things you feel are working particularly well, all those beautiful, interesting things. Explain what you like and why. Not only will this foster trust, it will show the critiquee that you understand and appreciate what she's trying to accomplish.

Then list the "huh?" aspects you discovered. You don't have to tap dance around the truth, just present your criticism in a professional manner by using specific, constructive words. (ex. The meter in the first stanza could be stronger.) Avoid general, negative comments (ex. The rhyme in this story is wrong) which only succeed in putting the critiquee on the defensive, effectively negating anything else you have to say.

Back yourself up by describing why you think a certain item isn't working and how it might be strengthened. (ex. The first and third line should have the same number of beats and emphasis, as well as a true rhyme.) Offering suggestions isn't "redoing" the work for the critiquee; you are simply explaining your comment in greater detail.

Whatever you do, don't be "nice" and skip this important section. The critiquee wants/needs to hear that some areas could use more attention. After all, isn't that why we're in a critique group in the first place?

Lastly, sew your critique up with an encouraging finish. End with positive, high-level comments about the work as a whole. The "negative" heart of the crit is nestled between the positive, protective ribs.

Note: if you can't come up with any positive comments, either don't critique this piece or contact your moderator for advice. If you're critiquing the moderator, run!

In Critiques We Trust
Your comments should be offered freely, with affection and respect. Once given, let them go. It's the recipient's decision to take or leave them. If she asks questions about your comments, she isn't challenging you; she just wants to understand you better. And if the critiquee does seem to take your constructive criticism badly, that's her issue. You've followed the "sandwich" critique method and communicated professionally; you've done your job.

While a good, in-depth critique can take a little time out of your day, don't think of it as wasted. It will come back to you tenfold. Not only will you get a robust critique from this person when your time comes, you'll improve your own skills—observation, communication, and problem solving. Plus, you get the warm fuzzies knowing that you helped a fellow artist one step further down the path of success.

• To Give as Well as Get: Tips on Receiving Critiques
• A Checklist for Picture Book Critiques
• Form a critique group of your own
• Hardcore critique guidelines (SFWA)