13. Constructive Critique Basics

How to Give (and Receive) Constructive Critique in a Writing Group

Beth offers tips for giving and receiving critique in a way that is constructive, respectful, and supportive.

She recommends first asking writers what specific feedback they want and tailoring comments accordingly, using clarifying questions, compassion, and responsibility for communication while avoiding blame, complaining, or unnecessary explaining.

For delivering feedback, she suggests starting with what is working or what you liked, then framing what is missing as “what I’d like more of” to reduce defensiveness; she also mentions options like the sandwich method.

For receiving critique, she advises asking for targeted feedback, understanding genre expectations in the group, saying thank you without defending the work, asking clarifying questions if needed, and keeping only the feedback that aligns with the writer’s “North Star.”

00:00 Constructive Critique Basics
 00:24 Respect and Hold Space
 01:06 No Blame or Explaining
 01:48 What Worked and More Of
 03:05 Ask for the Feedback You Need
 03:40 Set Critique Style and Genre
 05:26 Receive Feedback Gracefully
 06:21 Supportive Culture and Wrap Up

c. 2026 Beth Barany

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