A writer buddy commented, “I wish so-and-so wouldn’t keep bringing in the same chapter.” The commenter thought it was redundant to critique the same work multiple times. I disagree. My poor group once endured a short story I was working on for at least a dozen readings and critiques. While I don’t always need that many crits to get a piece ready, I think writers should always earn extra points for bringing in a rewrite.
Writing Tip for Today: I also remember getting a detailed crit from a mentor. I went home thinking, “Ah, now I know what to do.” The next time the mentor looked at the story, he had another long list of things to fix. I was surprised, but have since learned that critiques are part rule, part art and part opinion. How can you know when your work is ready to submit?

• When the critiques are getting “nitsy” it may be time to stop dithering and get it out there.
• If you belong to a group with no published writer, you may need expert help to diagnose structural problems. Hire an editor, take a class or seek out a more experienced writer.
• If you feel the critiques fly against your intended purpose, you may have to ignore advice.
• If you absolutely can’t stand to look at it one more time, put it aside or start submitting it.
• If you have a list of potential publishers with wide differences, you may have to alter your work to tailor for each. By making a list in advance (of agents, editors or contests) when you are rejected by one, you already know where to send it next. If you’re lucky, the rejectors will begin leaving little notes to encourage you.