How I critique a manuscript.  Or, look out Dave, you asked for it.  If I haven’t read more than a chapter or two of a manuscript and I suddenly have several chapters in front of me to read, I will do a complete read through first.  After that, I go back to the beginning and do a line by line edit.  The third time through I make comments and suggestions.

     Now you know why it takes me a while.  Sometimes it takes longer if life interferes.  I don’t do critiques for just anyone because it does take a lot of time.  I happen to know Dave, we’ve been friends for quite a few years, and that’s why I’ll do them for him.  Not to mention the fact that he reciprocates by doing them for me.  We also have tough hides and know that a critique will only help to improve our writing.

     Why get a work in progress critiqued by someone knowledgeable?  Because fresh eyes on your subject will see things you’ve missed or taken for granted.  Those eyes will also spot continuity problems and places that may confuse a reader. 

     Dave, I’m on the third time through and although it looks as if I’ve bled all over the book, I do love your writing.  Give me another day or two and it should be on it’s way back to you.