I’ve been taking a writing course for picture books and something has become abundantly clear, there are different types of critiques.
Within a group of writers and authors I’m looking for specific feedback regarding plot, pacing, character, sentence structure etc. All the things that writers have learned to improve craft through the editing process. That’s what I hope for at least. This is what I’d like to call a writer’s thoughts.
On the flip side there is the reader’s thoughts. This is someone with limited writing experience and is usually a friend or colleague (or your mom). These folks don’t know writing lingo, they don’t know how form and structure works. What they do know is if they like or don’t like your story (or pieces of it). This can be extremely valuable if you are working out a concept or are nearing the end stages of your story and need a fresh opinion if things are “working.”
When you ask for feedback or a critique on your story ask yourself if the person you’re asking is going to give you writers thoughts or readers thoughts. Ask yourself what would be more useful at your current stage of editing. This is will save everyone time and energy.
If you want a specific type of critique be clear with the person who is reading your story.
Ask them pointed questions like: “What did you think of this character?” or “How was the pace of the story, too fast? too slow?” or “Was the place/setting clear in your mind as you read?”
If you want more info on the Beta Reading process you can check out my three part post HERE.
Happy Questing
Quest Type 
Personally, for a CP I prefer a writer and reader. To me, story is the most important part of writing. Plot and structure are most especially important if you chose to write in classical (traditional) PB structure. There seems to be so few writers familiar with structures other than classic. And because of that, they try to change a story by suggesting ways to turn it into classical structure. For a non-trad writer, that is not helpful.
As for liking or not liking, that is also a part of story that I’m interested in knowing from my CPs. Why bother to slave over a ms if it isn’t likeable or relatable, if I’m looking to publish. If I only wish to write for myself or learn plot/structure, than sure, who cares if it is liked or even makes sense, as long as I hit plot points, high stakes/tension rises, three (preferably) attempt/failures before the climax, fast resolve, satisfying ending with agency.
I appreciate CPs who can rise above classical storytelling and help me get to the heart of the story I want to tell, in the way I’m trying to tell it. Those partners are precious.
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Wow yes so thoughtful and true! I love a CP who let’s me write my story the way I want but also knows when to push my comfort zone.
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