Top Things to NOT do when Receiving Critiques

In continuing our series on receiving critiques, here are the top ten things to not do when receiving a critique. 

1. Go to critique group or review critiques not in the right mindset. Check in with yourself and your emotions either before going to a critique group or reviewing a critique.
2.  Break the rules of the group. If you're instructed to arrive with 10 copies of five pages of your WIP, don't show up with 1 copy of thirty pages. 
3. Talk over your critiquer. Respect your critiquers time and effort and let them finish their thoughts. 
4. Argue. If you disagree or don't understand, ask clarifying questions. Or just say, 'thank you.'
5. Take comments and critiques personally. While your writing is a piece of your heart and soul, comments are not personal and not about you as a person. 
6. Ignore all advice. While you may choose not to follow the advice, comments about your work are valuable.  
7. Assume your work is perfect and can’t improve . No matter how experienced you are, you can always improve. 
8. Assume that because critiquers are not published or as experienced as others means their comments are less valuable. Critiquers are readers, which makes their comments valuable. 
9. If you receive a critique, expect to give critique. Be present and mindful when receiving and giving critiques.  
10. Treat others time/work as less valuable than yours. Critiquing takes time and energy.