copyright 1999
One facet of critique group etiquette is to identify what you want from a critique.
This will force you, the author, to consider what might not be working in your material.
The other benefit of the author identifying what she wants from a critique is that it forces her to confront what she very likely wants - unqualified acclaim, please. Since she can't actually say she wants praise and lots of gushing, she has to come up with something else, and in doing so, it might just mitigate some of the pain that comes when a critiquer says, "I found this chapter really confusing." Understand, self-criticism is essential in writing. Sure, we all have egos; we all think we have a shot at knocking Nora off her throne. But, there isn't room in a critique group for egos. Leave them at the door, and bring your work to the table, prepared to listen and learn from other s experience and opinions.
One way to identify what you want from a critique is with the use of a sealed envelope. Inside the envelope is a sheet with questions and space for answers. Author asks specific things about what the critiquer has read, especially when she may be worried something didn't work. The critiquer reads the draft, then opens the envelope, so she won't be influenced by the questions as she reads.
Another way is to create a form and attach it to every chapter with room for questions and space for answer. I've used both methods successfully.
In my critique group, common questions we ask of one another are:
Remember, give what you would like to receive from a critique. If you want an extensive critique, be prepared to give the same in return.