Workshopping guidelines
- 2. So, you’ve joined a workshopping group …
- 3. What now?
- 5. • Mark up the manuscript to hand back to the author • Make a list of questions/comments to discuss verbally • Let each workshopping member deliver their feedback uninterrupted • The writer may respond after all members have taken a turn
- 6. Remember …
- 7. • Critique the work, not the writer (and make sure your language reflects this, e.g. the story does x, not you do x) • Give a mix of positive and negative feedback - use the feedback sandwich model • There is always something good you can say about a piece of writing • Focus on what the work wants to be – not on what you want it to be, or what you would have done
- 8. Tips
- 9. • Ask questions to clarify intent • Give the author more than one option • Be specific (and use examples) • Avoid harping on the same point – mention it once, then move on • Frame suggestions as questions or hypotheses (not orders), e.g. I wonder what would happen if you … Have you considered …?
- 11. • Listen while each member of your workshopping group delivers feedback • Make notes of points you want to return to, explain, or query • Once all group members have given feedback, thank them for their time and attention • Now it’s your chance to respond (politely!)
- 12. Remember that feedback is given in the spirit of constructive criticism, to improve the work What’s in your head may not yet be represented clearly on the page – this is a valuable opportunity to spot the gaps between what you see and what readers see
- 13. Now it’s onto the next chapter!