Critique between a reader and an author

Critique is an exchange in which a reader helps an author assess and improve a draft. The parts divide by the exchange’s tasks: requesting a reading, agreeing the reviewer’s remit and giving comments the author can use. Editing passes, checks against sources and standards, coordinated reviews by several people, and project-long relationships with authors and experts belong to neighbouring concerns.

• Ask the right readers for the right critique — choosing readers, briefing them, paying for a check and receiving their response
• Agree the mandate before you review someone else’s text — setting scope by text, role, authority and time, and recognising the limits of specialist review
• Give an author criticism they can use — respecting the author’s decisions, explaining changes, writing answerable queries, ordering comments and coaching colleagues