Being A Good Crit Partner

Source: Google Images
There's tons of advice about how to find a good critique partner and how to select them. Its pretty much like speed dating. But once you have a crit partner, there's plenty of advice on what they must do for you, but seldom will you find someone mention what you're expected to do as well.

My crit partner Maggie haven't met each other, but we exchange emails weekly and often I feel there's no need to reject anyone as your crit partner if you're doing it right.The right fit, not the genre and blah blah doesn't matter. I honestly believe that everyone who volunteers can become a critique partner because everyone is different just like your reading audience is. The more opinions, the more sounding boards, the more refined the product. You don't have to accept everyone's suggestions but it helps. So here's five things to help you be a better crit partner.

1. Attitude Source: Google Images
You cannot have this attitude. Everyone's time is important, so no matter where the other person is in their publishing career, newbie, novice, best-seller, self published, don't think that critiquing is a waste of time. Consider it an investment in someone else's publishing career. Besides, what goes around comes around. Do the work honestly, put in the minutes and be as helpful as you can. 
2. Flexibility

Most likely you'll have a schedule, every week or fortnight to exchange a set number of chapters. In case your partner can't make the deadline, don't be a military drill sergeant, 'You were supposed to be here at 0700 hours on such and such day. Why haven't you done it?' Most authors work a full time job and have families. In addition to writing and editing their own work, they're carving precious time for you, to read and edit your work. Bend a little.
3. Constructive Criticizer

Source: wittyfeed.com
That's what you're aiming to be- a constructive criticizer.. There's no need to rip any manuscript to shreds. Always start with the good, but if its really bad, ask your partner to walk from their project and come back to re-read it in three months time. Distance could help them. But if you're unhappy with the piece, say why. I've seen this in online public competitions that I've participated in, people just read the previous comment and string along a few extra words to say something, but there's no substance to the critique.(Its also one of the reasons I only read reviewer's comments after I've finished writing mine, especially on Goodreads.) Remember authors are going to shape their entire manuscript based on your comments and while they do have a thick skin, they'd appreciate constructive criticism, what's working, why, what's not, what can be changed or substituted, or even cut out. You don't have to be Simon Cowell!
4. Don't be Vengeful

Just because you're CP, strung up your last para in red, you're going to do just the same to his/hers. Drop that crap! Like yesterday! This isn't high school or even college (yeah some folks just never grow up), but that's not how to treat a fellow author. Save that temper of yours to create an antagonist, don't go bananas over a highly edited piece. In fact thank your stars, its your CP and not your editor chopping your manuscript to little pieces. So be nice, even if it hurts. 

5. Easy does it
Don't stress out over a critique at any stage. There's plenty of other stuff to do it over. Your CP can become your ally when the goings get tough. Don' burn bridges or make things difficult for each other. If you can't make the time or are struggling, say so. Admit your weaknesses. When I started working with Maggie, I had to tell her I wasn't a grammar Nazi, but I could see plot and tension. I could give reader background, tell her what was working or not, flow or characters. And she was okay with that, she could find another CP who could do the things I couldn't. So stay cool. Writing is tough, there's no need to make it tougher.

Stay safe everyone!
Songs on my playlist: This I know David Crowder