Writers need feedback.

We crave recognition for our work (naturally), but functionally, we cannot improve if we are writing in a vacuum. We need readers to point out the flaws, gaps, and flat characters, to push us to add more and work harder. 

Sure, it would be great to hand off every draft to a professional editor, but most of us don’t have limitless fountains of cash (if you do, ‘Hi!’). My writing process includes many drafts before a manuscript gets a professional read and thankfully I’m now past the stage of trying to bug my friends and family for those necessary early edits. For the last several months, I’ve been using Scribophile to get early critiques from other (sometimes quite picky) writers. There are other similar sites out there, Critique Circle is a major one and you can check out Reedsy’s round-up of 48 other places to get critiques here

The important thing is that you find your critique crew who will offer tough, actionable advice to improve your writing.

My experience with Scribophile so far is that everyone has been respectful, but also not afraid to dole out some tough advice. There is an overall emphasis on being polite and that helps take the edge off what could get a bit rough sometimes otherwise. 

Typically, a piece will get no less than three critiques before it is removed from the spotlight, and it can get more after that. I find multiple reviews on the same short piece (the max is 3,000 words) to be very useful, because if two out of three people say the beginning is too slow, or another section is boring, well then you know what you need to work on. 

Also, the same people critiquing your work are gaining points so they can post their own work. That means you’ll have a chance to critique that person’s work also. I find it’s helpful to read my critiquer’s work with an eye for what they pointed out in mine. How are they avoiding the same pitfalls? I’m looking for it in action. Also, not gonna lie, it’s gratifying to see that the writer isn’t perfect either. 

From what I have seen so far, Scribophile is a space for people to post the work they really want comments on. Writers are not posting finished, polished, work here to be fawned over. I think it’s refreshing that you get to see everyone’s rough edges, or edits, on display. I’ve also found that critiquing other people’s work has made me a more contentious first drafter. I might catch that passive voice and rewrite it on the spot, or jazz up the lacking scene because I can imagine the Scribophile crew will tear it apart. 

I suppose it’s the age old idea of writing for the reader. Who knew? It works.