Author-ized L.J.ljwrites@writeout.ink
Jul 3, 2026, 4:53 PM#WritersCoffeeClub 3: What's the sign of a good critique?
Respect.
Replies
- Author-ized L.J.ljwrites@writeout.inkJul 3, 2026, 5:20 PM
As long as a critic, beta-reader, editor, or what-have-you fully respects the creator's goals, artistry, time, and worth as a person, they can never go wrong with critique. Such a commenter can be honest about a work's flaws (in light of the creator's goals) and still be thanked because feedback based on respect and not dismissal or insecurity will be constructive. A commenter like this will make friends because the creators will feel so thoroughly seen and known, the feedback will create and strengthen personal bonds.
A commenter who puts respect first knows to separate their personal tastes from the creator's goals because a respectful person does not treat others as extensions or projections: Whether the commenter shares the creator's goals and tastes or not, the creator's aspirations are still worthy of active and serious treatment. Respectful critique will be immersive and fully engaged, diving deep into the work and thinking through it in every aspect because the creator poured their time and effort into it.
And sometimes? Sometimes the better part of respect is silence. A respectful commenter knows their voice is not always needed or wanted, that they might be unable to do justice to a work, that they have their own biases and limitations because being respectful does not mean being perfect. Sometimes it is better not to say anything and silence can be a greater act of respect than anything they say when the circumstances aren't right for critique.
A person who knows when to hold their words and when to release them will never do serious harm with words, and the source of that discernment... is respect.
- Author-ized L.J.ljwrites@writeout.inkJul 3, 2026, 5:47 PM
In the end, what respectful critique tells a creator is: You matter. Your goals are exciting, your time precious, your efforts weighty, your enthusiasm a wonder to behold. You deserve to be helped in your goals, to be given acknowledgment and understanding to meet the courage and vulnerability in your work. You deserve honesty and shared joy.
You put a part of yourself into this work, placing the stuff of your dreams in my hands, and I won't treat that lightly. Thank you for giving me this chance to be part of your creation. I love that we could share this and some of our limited overlapping time in this world was spent creating and enjoying beauty. That's an amazing gift in a brutal world, and I am lucky to know you.
On days you might have any doubt, I hope you can believe me if not yourself that you and your work are worthy and deserving. Because you matter.
- Author-ized L.J.ljwrites@writeout.inkJul 3, 2026, 6:35 PM
The flip side of critique as the art of respect is that toxic critique is disrespectful. Creators burned by it didn't simply hear something bad about their work, they were deeply disrespected and know it.
Some messages of disrespectful critique:
- You're too foolish to know what you want. I'll be the judge of that.
- Your time, efforts, talents, and life exist to fulfill my desires.
- You don't deserve to feel good about yourself or your work, and I'll make sure you know it.I could go on, but it's not a happy list. Is it any wonder some creators have twisted themselves into pretzels trying to please, or been put off creating altogether? This kind of thing takes time to come back from.