Meredith Mansfield, Author

The thing about critiques is: No matter how much the reader wants to help you improve your story it is still your story and only you can decide what’s really right for it.

Whenever you get multiple critiques on any work, there’s bound to be some disagreement.  The question then arises, which do you believe?  I’m on the horns of this dilemma in two separate cases. 

On the latest revision short story (yes, I’m withholding the title for a reason), I’ve gotten three critiques so far (and two still out).  One reader thinks it’s good as is, one thinks it needs minor tweaks, and one thinks it needs some major changes to deepen the point of view. 

On my novel, MAGE STORM, I occasionally have a similar issue.  Out of four critiques, there’s one that consistently wants deeper point of view.  In some cases, I agree.  In others, not.  Other issues, often places where the story needs a little more detail or depth to make something work well, most or all of the critiques agree.

On one of my writers’ forums the answer to this situation was put very clearly: The only two times you really must respond to a critique (other than to say thank you), is when three or more people agree or when the critique resonates with you.  I’d add one more: There are certain people to whose critiques, through experience, I’ve learned to give extra credence. 

So, if three people see a problem, it probably really is a problem you should address.  And if a comment feels right to you or, better yet, triggers some new ideas, then that’s pure gold.