(inspired by my convo with author Michelle Cusolito)
If you’re a children’s nonfiction writer (or any writer), odds are you’ve found yourself stuck in revision limbo at least once: wondering if your manuscript is “there yet,” unsure of what’s working or what’s not, or drowning in well-meaning feedback that doesn’t actually help. That’s where having a second set of eyes can be immensely helpful, but only if you know how to use your outside readers well.
In my upcoming podcast episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations (dropping June 6!), I chat with author and MFA writing instructor Michelle Cusolito (Jellyfish Scientist, In the World of Whales) about her radical revision process, including how she works with critique partners and coaches her students to do the same. Our discussion can help you rethink how you give and receive feedback.
Here are five top tips for getting the most out of your critique group:
1. Ask for the Feedback You Actually Want
Instead of asking for “general feedback,” tell your group what kind of input you’re seeking. Are you concerned about voice? Pacing? The ending? Michelle and I always provide specific questions when we submit a manuscript for critique, like, “Does this voice work?” or “Is this ending satisfying?” That clarity not only sharpens the feedback but prevents unhelpful suggestions.
–> Bonus: I often turn to Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process, which starts with the artist stating what they want feedback on. Try adding this to the top of your manuscript when sharing.
2. Give Compliments Generously (and Criticism Strategically)
Michelle teaches her MFA students to always share compliments, even if the author hasn’t asked for them. But when it comes to critiques, she stresses this boundary: only offer criticism that’s been requested. Want to line edit? Only if you were asked. This ensures the feedback stays constructive, not overwhelming.
–> Try opening your critique with, “Here’s what’s working so well…” before moving into areas of concern.
3. Clarify Whether You Want Solutions or Just Observations
Not all critiques are created equal. Sometimes you need a fix. Other times, you just need someone to point out when something’s not landing. In my experience, it’s important to let critique partners know whether you want brainstorming and suggestions, or just a diagnosis of what’s not working.
And sometimes, what feels like conflicting feedback, is actually a case of readers suggesting different solutions to the same problem. If you can, set aside the proposed fixes and focus only on the problems your readers have pinpointed. Is more than one person pointing out the same issue? Then you get to decide the best way to fix that issue in a way that squares with your vision for your manuscript.
–> Be clear: “Please don’t suggest fixes—just tell me where you felt confused or disengaged” (if that’s what you want).
4. Get Voices Outside Your Genre
Michelle’s critique group is made up of middle grade and YA novelists—not nonfiction writers. It may sound counterintuitive, but she says they’re some of her best readers. Why? Because they ask, “Does this make sense?” or “Why should I care?,” questions that nonfiction writers sometimes overlook because we have a much higher tolerance for context and information.
–> Consider including a “non-nonfiction junkie” reader in your critique group to see if your manuscript connects with kids.
5. Experiment with Format to Get Unstuck
Sometimes the best critique doesn’t come from people—it comes from changing your own perspective. Michelle swears by her “magnetic poetry” approach: printing out drafts, cutting them into pieces, and physically rearranging her words. She also shifts fonts, plays with line breaks, and even changes text color to force her brain to see the words differently.
–> Feeling stuck? Try revising off-screen with scissors, tape, or a dummy book. If you write on computer, try revising longhand and vice versa. Have your computer read your work aloud to find less than elegant lines. Do whatever you can to invite your brain to “see” your book in a new way.
Whether you’re new to critique groups or a seasoned member, these strategies can help transform your feedback sessions from frustrating to fruitful.
🎧 Don’t miss my full conversation with Michelle Cusolito on the next episode of Nonfiction Kidlit Craft Conversations, dropping June 6 wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. We dig into everything from radical revision to picture book structure—and yes, there are jellyfish.
In the meantime, check out:
- Michelle’s magnetic poetry blog post
- Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process video
Got your own critique group tips? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make feedback work for you!