Note Reactions
Writing your reactions to parts in the manuscript will let the author know if they are being effective or not. Writing needs to be readerly, meaning that the audience should feel something while reading.

Positive Reinforcement
Along with hearing what's wrong in a manuscript, it's extremely helpful for an author to hear what they are doing RIGHT. This way, they'll continue to the right things, and less of the wrong things! Sometimes, authors don't get feedback on the good and change it all when they should have left it alone.

Grammar Nazi
Things like grammar, spelling, and punctuation are better left as marks on the page. That way, we can focus on the story with our group time, and the author can change the little mistakes when doing revisions.

Being Constructive
When you've found something that needs work, try to give helpful suggestions on how the author can make it better. Simply saying 'this characterization doesn't work' doesn't really tell the author how to improve. Be specific.

The Sandwich Approach
One of the most effective ways to critique a manuscript is to use this approach. First, open up with something that you liked about the piece. Do you like the characters? How about the wording? Be specific in picking something positive to say. Then, give an honest explanation of what you think the manuscript could approve upon. Make sure to critique the writing, not the writer. Finally, wrap it up with another good comment, and a note of encouragement. It's a lot easier to take criticism with good things, as well.

If you don't know what to say...

Here is a cheat-sheet of things to think about and discuss:

• Do you like the characters? Are they realistic? Do you care what happens to them?
• What is the tone of this piece?
• How does this fit in with the other chapters?
• Is there a specific intended audience for this?
• Where there any parts that were confusing?
• What do you think will happen next? Do you care?
• Where is this taking place? Is the scene clear?
• Are the descriptions descriptive enough? Too descriptive?
• What is the voice like in this piece?
• Are you able to visualize the scene/characters/actions?
• How is the pacing? The flow?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE comment on your peer's writing!