This experience has led me to wonder, for the writers out there, do you find it easy or hard to critique a manuscript for middle grade, or even young adult? This was my first critique of a full middle grade manuscript. I've read plenty of picture books, short stories and shorter works, but never a full manuscript. I found that for me, when reading an entire ms, it is much easier to read and jot thoughts down as I'm reading and then make comments at the end. When I tried to critique and catch everything, it took much too long (I think she wondered if I would ever finish reading the ms:) ) and I wasn't able to focus as well on the big picture and themes as they ran through the book. About 3/4 of the way through, I switched methods and was able to really focus and enjoy the story more. Granted if a writer wants a more detailed critique, then I would be more than happy to oblige, but I also need to realize that it may take me longer than usual.
The other thought that has occurred to me lately is how much I have been missing when I wasn't reading middle grade books. When I was young I loved to read, but the time just wasn't there as I got older and went to college, got married and had kids, etc. But when I decided I wanted to be a writer and follow the advice of reading in your genre, I fell in love with middle grade all over again. I rarely read adult literature, and I have found I don't miss it that much. Yes, I will read new Debbie Macomber books, women's fiction or the occasional classic, but middle grade is just as satisfying a read and most of what is in my to-read list.
So what do you guys think? Any critiquing comments or middle grade love to share? Comment away!
I haven't read middle grades in a long time. When I critique a longer work, I have to make notes of obvious things as I read. I try to read it first. Then, go back and make more detailed comments. Have fun with your critique.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to critique a full manuscript, but what I do is read it and leave notes, remarks, suggestions as I go, then go back and re-read the whole thing to get the bigger picture and then some more notes if needed.
ReplyDeleteBefore last year, my reading of MG was sporadic, but then I decided to work harder on my writing and that involved reading more MG.
I have critiqued both MG and YA full manuscripts. I always try to read them twice. I find it helpful, if it's an actual printed ms, to jot notes in the margins in pencil as I go along. If I'm reading it in Word, I might take notes on scrap paper, but I'm more likely to just read through it first, then go back and make notes.
ReplyDeleteCritiquing can be difficult. I don't want to be too negative, so I always try to write "Good!" or "Wow!" in the margins wherever something impresses me.
I do agree that if you can read through it twice that does make a difference. Then you can focus on different aspects, since you've already seen how the book ends. Thanks for your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWhen I critique, I read through once to get the large picture, and on my second time through I comment. It is time-consuming, but I do love it (and SO appreciate when others take the time with mine). And you are so right: it limits what other reading you can do at that time.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I almost exclusively read MG (a few YA spread in) because if I want time to write, I can only read so much and reading what I write helps me write. Right? :-D
Yep, I agree. There's only so much time and middle grade helps the most!
Deletemy critique group is all middle grade - so i hear what you mean. one of the biggest compliments you can get from an agent or editor is nailing middle grade voice... which is hard to define, and can also be subjective. kids are at different reading levels all through school, and some enjoy reading at a higher level.
ReplyDeleteone thing we always check each other on is what may or may not pass with librarians. guns in books? swearing? lying? cheating? you have to questions a lot of stuff that would easily just make the story more exciting or raise the stakes for another age group ;)
Yep, I agree, reading twice is best if you have the time, but not always feasible. I like reading it first simply as a reader, enjoying the full arc of the story, then reading a second time to focus on editing. I have such a hard time giving feedback when I only see one chapter at a time - it really helps to see the whole story.
ReplyDeleteI've done MG and YA and in both cases I much prefer critting the entire ms. I usually try to do one read through jotting notes as I go (sometimes even just going right through no comments). Then a second read follows with more detailed thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI do jot notes and comments as I critique, which makes for slow going.
And I was just saying to a friend today that I am finding it difficult to enjoy adult fiction now. I'm finding that many books, especially in so-called literary fiction, bog down. Yes, the writing may be good, but the story just doesn't float my boat. You can't get away with that sort of thing writing for children!
I really enjoy critiquing, but you are right, doing a whole novel in one sitting (so to speak) is hard. I've done a few that way, but usually it's when I can read non stop with no interruptions from family or internet... I find it much easier if people send me a few chapters at a time. Critiquing and doing a book review are two different ballgames. I enjoy doing reviews, but it takes a lot of time. I try and post on my blog, on goodreads, twitter and facebook...and maybe even on amazon. I have to really love the book to do all of that. :)
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