GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CRITIQUE GROUP

Receiving critiques can be hard, especially when you're a new writer and receive critique after critique that points out flaws in your work. It can be tough. You've put a lot of time into your work and given it your best effort. Now you're putting it before other people and they're going to tell you what you did wrong. But trust me, it's well worth it.

1) Remember that the people in your group truly do want to help you.
2) You will learn more from honest comments than feel-good fluff.
3) Realize before you start submitting that your writing isn't perfect (no one's is), so be willing to learn. Your partners will point out the imperfections you are unable to see so you can fix them.
4) The best way to improve your writing is to take the suggestions/corrections and apply them to your WIP right away.
5) Remember that you don't have to agree with everything a person says on a crit. Writing (and critiquing writing) is a subjective activity and opinions will vary.
6) If two or more people make the same comment, it is probably something you need to take to heart.
7) When a critique is especially hard to take, it's okay to let the emotions roll through you. Once the emotions have dissipated, you can take a more objective look through the critique.
Lastly, and most importantly...remember that the people in your group truly do want to help you (that is VERY important).

By following these guidelines, I was able to transform my WIP from a rough draft obviously written by a newbie to something ready to be pitched to agents. The drastic change even amazed my crit partners. It happened because they were willing to be honest and I was willing to learn.