Tips for Critiquing

Critiquing is similar to editing, but doesn't have to be as in-depth a process and usually is done by someone else. Some of the aspects to look for when critiquing is the POV (point of view), consistency, characterization, plot, sentence structure, dialog and dialog attribution, active and passive voice, pacing, and so on. There are many things a reader can find in a manuscript that needs to be improved, but once the writer becomes familiar with these, it won't seem as a challenge to correct. Critique or writers' groups are a great way to have both your writing improved and your knowledge of critiquing methods strengthened.

Keep a consistent POV for one character in each scene. Sometimes I've heard to have one POV per chapter. Either one is good, but just have one character's view at a time so as not to confused the reader.

Throughout the manuscript make sure that the scenes, events and characters are consistent with the flow of the storyline. All aspects should make sense.

For characterization, the characters should be believable and that their actions and words/dialog match what type of character they are. Dialog attribution such as "said" or "asked" is commonplace and should be used instead of descriptive words that are best left for the action.

The plot should remain consistent throughout the story. The first chapter should begin in the middle of the action or at least not begin from the beginning. Good sentence structure is written to match the pacing of the story such as using short sentences for quick and action driven scenes. The descriptive scenes can be longer for a slower pace, yet always moving the story forward.

Using active voice instead of passive voice when possible is a great way to keep the readers' interest and the pacing quick.