Nikki Katz

For the most part, writing is a solitary activity. You put your idea, your heart, your soul, and your time into creating a finished manuscript. And then it comes time to throw your baby out to the world for review.

Here’s where critique groups, beta readers, and critique partners are a necessity. The beauty of having feedback from others is that it lets you grow as a writer and allows your novel to flourish. And while the feedback varies in structure and content and depth, every comment is important. Whether it’s the beta reader who loves the novel and urges you forward, or the grammar guru who nitpicks every cliche, or the critique partner who asks if a scene is really necessary - they are all crucial to the end result.

I’ve had my novel read and critiqued several times by amazing people, but that’s not all I ask someone to read. I have them look at my query, my synopsis, my first page … over and over again, as long as they are willing to do so! Because those are the most important pieces to getting my foot in an agent’s door and getting the manuscript published. I’ve taken part in query workshops and have had my first few pages read by a variety of different groups.

Not only do I love the critique process for the responses I get and the nudges to change things - I love giving critiques as well. When I critique someone’s work, I always learn something. Often times I notice something about their novel that mirrors my own - and helping them work through that glitch benefits my novel in turn.

Speaking of which, I have to prepare for my critique group tonight, so I leave you with this - what has your critique group taught you?

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