In-depth reviewing is tough for both the critiquer and the author, but it doesn't have to be. One way to lessen the stress is to keep it professional. If a writer asks for an honest, in-depth review of their work because they hope to publish or win a contest, they are serious. They don't want you to gloss over the bumps and tell them it's perfect if it isn't. They want to win the contract or contest. If they had the nerve to ask for this type of review, be nice and gather your own nerve to let them have it with both barrels. But, only if they ask.
The trick to remaining professional is to keep yourself and the author out of the comments. Don't get personal. Concentrate on the writing and stick to the writing. You won't need to fear violating the 'be nice' rule if you point out plenty of the good stuff too. They need to know what works as well as what doesn't. It's all part of in-depth feedback.
If you want to help a writer's story become publishable, in-depth reviews are the only way to go. But if you're afraid of saying anything constructive, (translated negative) you won't be as useful. Stay aware of your tone when pointing out the flaws. Keeping it friendly is vital. Don't use exclamation points or capitals when pointing out errors! Read the review over before sending it and change anything that sounds bossy or like an order. Mean and Rude do not define Honesty, and 'Don't be mean' is a great definition of 'be nice.'
Putting down another's draft does not make you a better writer, nor does it help anyone else. If you must be rude, review your own work; you're not helping and you're not wanted.
You're not a mean person, so stop worrying about being nice and start being honest. Nice reviews are severely misunderstood and are not always helpful. How many times can you say 'good job!' to a writer who honestly wants help? Don't want to hurt her feelings? Then, don't review her work. If she asks you, tell her you prefer not to review people you consider friends. Be honest.
I don't like the term, 'Negative Feedback.' It rings of negative connotations and why would anyone ask for this? Negative sounds scary and depressing. Constructive feedback is essential in helping a piece become better, and that is not a negative act. When we criticize work offered specifically for in-depth reviews, our goal is to help authors become publishable writers. What they decide to do with the feedback is always up to them, but our job here is finished for now. On to the next story - I love my job! If you love to review, but haven't tried in-depths, I recommend you do - the satisfaction is tremendous.
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About the Author
Harriet is an author on
http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Poetry Contests. Her portfolio can be found at
http://www.Writing.Com/authors/storytime where she is a reader/reviewer
