Guidelines for Critiques
Be respectful of the writing. Critique groups will be formed at random. You will read many different genres and themes. Please see below for potentially offensive themes and how to handle them (for both the writer and the reader).
When coming to a critique group, be sure to bring three copies of no more than twenty (20) pages to share with other writers.
You will receive one month to read and comment on the pages given to you by other writers. Please do everything you can to be certain that you will be present for the next critique meeting that follows the one in which you are sharing your pages. If you can't be there, make other arrangements to get your critique to your writers, and to receive your critiques from your readers. The writers in your group value your input. They've taken the time out of their days to critique your pages; be sure to return the courtesy.
Make sure your pages are formatted correctly. All pages should be typed, double-spaced, one inch margins, with a non-funky font (Times New Roman or Ariel). Don't forget to paginate and staple.
It really can't be said too much: double space your pages. Pages that are not double spaced are very difficult if not impossible to comment on!
It is helpful to provide a short synopsis of your story containing the important facts and characters of what came before in the story and what is going to happen further in. This will help the critiquer to know what is going to be revealed, so they are better able to find problems with the story.
Provide specific feedback. Saying "I don't like this," doesn't tell a writer much. Tell the writer why you don't like it. Even better, give some suggestions as to what the writer could do to change it so you do like it.
Be aware that writers are creative people, and that you may not agree with the things they say, do, or write. Remember that, almost certainly, no one intends to be offensive.
Just because you, and many people you know, do not find a specific subject matter to be offensive does not mean that someone else won't find it objectionable.
Keep your critique a critique. Mentioning that you would not choose to read something with a specific theme is acceptable. Launching into a discussion of why you object to the specific theme is not.
If you are submitting something for critique that could be considered controversial, warn your fellow criticizers. You'll get much more and go much further if you warn your readers first. If your pages are generally "clean," but there is a section that could be personally objectionable to a reader, give them a warning of some sort of where the section starts and stops.
If you receive something that you find objectionable, or find something personally objectionable within the pages you are reading, first take a deep breath. Remember that this was not written to personally offend you; it was written to convey thoughts, ideas, and a story. If you find it truly offensive, skip the section, and continue reading. Mention why you found the words on the page offensive - any critique is helpful to the writer.