Top 5 MISTAKES Made When: Choosing A Critique Partner

It's tough to find someone to read your manuscript. Not only do you have to find someone who is willing to curl up with your book-to-be, you have to find someone you feel comfortable with. It's a touchy subject after all.

Mind you, what I'm talking about is a critique partner. This is more than just someone who reads your MS, this is someone who meticulously works through your book with a fine tooth comb. Often, but not always,  you trade MS's with your crit partner. Because we're all nervous and excited, we tend to choose the wrong partners.

1. Your Mom (or dad, or spouse, best friend...)

I know, they seem so perfect! They know you so well, they love you dearly, and they want you to be happy. So we think they'll be willing to support my dreams by reading my MS, bingo, right? Nope. While they'll usually be happy to help, they can't. Here's why:

•  They love you. Meaning they think you're wonderful, they're biased. Also, if they do see past the rose colored glasses, they won't want to hurt your feelings.
•  Knowing you is not a qualification. I'm sure they are really smart and perhaps well read, but unless you're living with a Random House employee, they're not the best reader. And if they are qualified. . . the first bullet still applies. 

2.  Someone You Don't Respect

It's a bit harsh, but we've all seen it. Whether on a site that helps with query's or in a forum that posts excerpts or where ever, there are tons of people writing out there who.  . . suck.  Yes, I said it. And if you can't read their logline without shaking your head, they won't work as a beta. Here's why:

•  You won't take their criticism  seriously.  And why should you? They can't see anything of value when they have their head wedged firmly between their butt cheeks. You will roll your eyes and think, Oh shut up. You can't tell the difference between foreshadowing and a hole in the ground. Moron. 
• You'll have to suffer through their MS.  Why bother? You'll just have to lie anyways, if you tell them what you really think, well, kiss that reader good bye.

 3. A Busy Bee 

Yes, if by chance someone who isn't close to you and isn't a box of rocks agrees to read for you, it's a joyous occasion. Buuuut, do they really have the time? If not, it's a waste of energy for both of you. Beta reading is quite the time suck. It's not just reading a book, they have to pay attention and make notes. It's like school. Ack. 

• They won't be invested. After a chapter or two, you may notice that they point out "plot holes" that don't exist. This is because they forgot much of what they've read and they're confused. Beta reading requires the same fervor as reading a great book for fun. They need to be invested in your story. 
•  They can't hash it out with you. They have stuff to do. And, unlike us, they do it. If they can't indulge in a deep conversation/email exchange discussing the nitty gritty of your story, you're missing out. 

4. They Don't Care For You're Genre/Style

While they don't have to adore the genre you're writing, they have to at least like it. Think about it, if they wouldn't consider reading it for leisure, why the heck would they put hours and hours of effort into reading an unedited version of it?  Maybe because they really want you to critique for them or maybe they don't realize what they're getting into, either way you loose. Here's why:

• They Don't Know What to Look for: There are nuances in every genre/age group, little unwritten rules. Because they don't know what to look for, they won't be able to catch it when you execute these finer points well, and they may miss some big mistakes. For example,  the whole Steampunk area, very interesting group. I have almost no clue what it is, but I've heard a couple things. I would be a terrible crit partner for a Steampunk novel. 
• They Don't Get It: We all have a style and a voice, in my MS, the tone is very gritty, dark, and sarcastic. The characters are in their early twenties, so there is swearing, illegal activities, and premarital sex. A crit partner who writes Christian MG might not like my stuff. What can be seen as a no-no by writers/readers of one genre are totally fine or even characteristic of another genre. Put simply, Micheal Moore  wouldn't have Sarah Palin as his crit partner.   

5. You Aren't Right For Them!

If you fall under any of the above 4 categories, it's not gonna work (though readers of my blog are - by definition -geniuses so obviously none of you would fall under #2). You have to be a team, that's why they call them Critique Partners. If you aren't right for them, don't fake it. Tell them that you're not the best person to critique their work for whatever reason, you never know, they may still crit for you.

There you have it! The Top 5 Mistakes of Choosing a Crit Partner.

Don't forget, my Thanksgiving Blogfeast is coming on November 22nd!

Also, Rebel In Remissio, my MS, is now on chapter 7 under the tab at the top : )