I had a question from a subscriber, and I ended up going so long on the answer, I thought I'd post it here, too, as other folks may have a similar question.
I joined a critique group about 16 months ago. In that time I have done 470 critiques and have had about that same number of critiques done on my chapters. I learned a lot about doing critiques as well as about my numerous critique partners.
When it comes to experience, like you say, each person has something different to give - and will give a different critique response and nearly everyone of them will be 'correct'. Get multiple critique partners and each will look at your work from a different angle, giving a very in-depth look at your writing.
Some of these writers are much better than me, but my unique way of looking at things will often find issues that they miss. (Though they will find a lot more issues in my writing.) Since we go in with the idea of helping each other, we look forward to both getting and giving critiques.
True... Your answer was far too long
Lol! Thank you for adding an example!
I will add something else to this good advice.
I joined a critique group about 16 months ago. In that time I have done 470 critiques and have had about that same number of critiques done on my chapters. I learned a lot about doing critiques as well as about my numerous critique partners.
When it comes to experience, like you say, each person has something different to give - and will give a different critique response and nearly everyone of them will be 'correct'. Get multiple critique partners and each will look at your work from a different angle, giving a very in-depth look at your writing.
Some of these writers are much better than me, but my unique way of looking at things will often find issues that they miss. (Though they will find a lot more issues in my writing.) Since we go in with the idea of helping each other, we look forward to both getting and giving critiques.
Thanks for adding your experience! That is helpful for everyone!