The YWS Critique Sandwich

I'd like to introduce you to the YWS critique sandwich. This is something I noticed YWSers doing some years ago, and I think it's a great way to write a review.

First, begin with what you liked about the poem or story. And be sure to explain why! The first part of the critique sandwich should be at least two sentences long. Of course, please feel free to make it much longer than that.

Second, go into the real meat of the review. Pick out some parts the author could improve on since all of us have stuff we could improve on. It could be something as simple as using spell-check to something as complex as getting dialogue right. And if there's something you didn't like about the work, write about it in this part of the critique sandwich (just be sure to explain why you didn't like it).

Third, finish off your review with a short conclusion. It doesn't need to be any more than a couple sentences long, but you should spend some time to sum up what you thought of the piece overall. You can also spend time re-addressing the main points of your review.

In all, you should be spending only about 10 to 15 minutes on your review. If you're doing less than that, then you have to ask yourself, "Is what I'm saying really helping the author?"

This seems like a good method for doing things. Makes sense, it's clear, and it makes the author feel like you don't hate them.

This is really a helpful guide. Thanks.

This is so right, Mr. Nate. Good thing this is how I review. L-D

Thank you for the good ideas.

that's what he said...........nomnomnom...wolf babies

It IS the truth. I didn't read this until now. This should be helpful! Thanks!

Sure, it's cute, but what's a diet of only sandwiches?

This is really helpful. I always thought that I didn't know how to write reviews, but it turns out I've been doing something similar to this all along. Heh.
Thank you for the advice!

This seems very helpful for new comers such as myself thanks Nate

I totally think that's the way to review. Not only are those reviews nicer to read but I find myself listening to and respecting those kinds of reviewers more than the ones that solely throw criticism at me. If feels more like they care and are there to really try and help you out, not just tell you everything that's wrong with your story. I always try to review the sandwich way and I think people are usually pretty happy with my reviews! Perfect explanation. Thanks, Nate!

Yes, that is a very helpful outline. I will try my best to use it.

Phew! Thank you for writing this Mr.Nate.
I'm someone who's constantly worried of what others will think about the things I do or say, this comes off very helpful to put my thoughts in one place. And to not let them spill around all over the place and make someone think I'm being rude to them.

Nate wrote:I'd like to introduce you to the YWS critique sandwich. This is something I noticed YWSers doing some years ago, and I think it's a great way to write a review.

First, begin with what you liked about the poem or story. And be sure to explain why! The first part of the critique sandwich should be at least two sentences long. Of course, please feel free to make it much longer than that.

Second, go into the real meat of the review. Pick out some parts the author could improve on since all of us have stuff we could improve on. It could be something as simple as using spell-check to something as complex as getting dialogue right. And if there's something you didn't like about the work, write about it in this part of the critique sandwich (just be sure to explain why you didn't like it).

Third, finish off your review with a short conclusion. It doesn't need to be any more than a couple sentences long, but you should spend some time to sum up what you thought of the piece overall. You can also spend time re-addressing the main points of your review.

In all, you should be spending only about 10 to 15 minutes on your review. If you're doing less than that, then you have to ask yourself, "Is what I'm saying really helping the author?"

It's really helpful.

I just wrote my first review, and I will definitely be using the critique sandwich for my second.