Writing Criticism with Cher Tan

Learn how to critique with confidence

Develop your understanding of ethical and responsible criticism with Cher Tan, an editor at Liminal magazine and reviews editor at Meanjin.

The work of criticism is generally plagued by an ivory tower image, but criticism is always happening: on social media, in YouTube comments, amongst ourselves. How do we approach criticism as a form that, as critic Merve Emre asks, ‘allows us to make sense of something—a fact, a feeling, an art form—by orienting a set of beliefs about the world [and] allows us to make this knowledge known to others’? In this course, participants will learn how to structure and think through techniques that will hone their approach to writing criticism.

You'll learn:

  • What criticism is (or isn’t)
  • Different ways of approaching criticism
  • The responsibilities of critics
  • How to apply these ethics and techniques to your own work
  • To develop your own understanding of critical writing

Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Cher Tan
Cher Tan

Cher Tan is an essayist, editor and critic. Her work has appeared in the Sydney Review of Books , The Saturday Paper, Runway Journal, Overland, Gusher magazine and Cordite Poetry Review, amongst others. In 2019 she was the Kill Your Darlings New Critic. She is an editor at Liminal and the reviews editor at Meanjin.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!