Roundtable Critique Format

Each author will have the opportunity to submit two manuscripts per session. Authors submit their manuscript the week before their scheduled discussion.

• Length/Format: up to 30 pages, double spaced, with page numbers, and the author's name on the first page.

•  Indicate any specific questions on a cover page or the last page, depending on when you want them to be considered, or any specific feedback you are looking to receive.

• If the manuscript is a middle chapter, provide a short summary of the events of the story up to the starting point of the chapter.

• Manuscripts can be any genre and at any stage of composition: from first draft to early rough draft all the way to a ready-to-be-submitted final draft. But please make your best effort to minimize typos and obvious mistakes.

Each member should type, print, and bring their overview of feedback to each session. We use these sheets to direct discussion and hand them to the author at the end of the meeting

• Feedback should be at least one page and two-part: 1. What is working in the piece, passages that stand out, etc., and 2. Questions/comments/critiques of the manuscript.

• Site page numbers for any quoted or questioned text and always explain why these passages stood out as strong or why it caused the reader to question the text.

•  Members may offer solutions for making manuscripts stronger, but should avoid writing for the author. 

•  Email or hand the track-changed or marked-up manuscript to the author after the discussion.

Meetings consist of two rounds of feedback by each member of the group. The first round is for positive comments about the manuscript. The second round is for questions and critiques about the paper.

• To start, one member will read a short excerpt from the paper being discussed which will remind the group of the piece being workshopped and allow the author to hear their work read aloud. 

• During the discussion, the author is not allowed to comment or respond to the feedback. They will be able to ask any follow up questions after all comments are presented.

• Members should address the paper and not the author directly, as it is the paper, and not the author, that is being workshopped.

• Comments and criticism should be supportive and always aim to improve the paper. All members, as writers themselves, should respect the hard work that goes into the process of writing.

·       During discussion, the writer remains in a "cone of silence" and at the end of the discussion is allowed to ask questions.

·       When providing comments, the readers do not address the writer or use the personal "you." 

·       Avoid statements such as "I didn't like…" or "I was bothered by …" as feedback should focus on supportive and constructive feedback.

·       Avoid negative attitudes and do not criticize the writer for choices made.

·       Instead, talk about the NARRATOR and what the narrator is saying/telling/showing.

·       Ask questions for the writer to consider when tackling a revision.

·       Speak to the craft of the writing and provide specific examples and page numbers of sections/sentences that might have been confusing.

·       Explain WHY you had these questions; providing such analysis helps you with your own writing.

·       Please do no rewrite or offer solutions unless the writer asks for them.

·       Respect the writing and the effort that has gone into the piece. We are here to support each other and encourage this creative endeavor that is already wrought with challenges.

·       Platinum Rule: Treat others as they want to be treated.