Looking for a Critique Group?

Most writers will tell you that a writer’s group, or critique group, has proved indispensable to their writing success. The fellow writers in these groups offer encouragement, inspiration, valuable feedback from close readers, answers to other questions about the writing life (such as about the business end of things), a place to get beta readers for longer works and, often, friendship.

I’ve been involved with writing groups for almost five decades and I have heard only from a couple of authors that they do not like critique groups. When this happens, it is usually because of one or two factors. (Which I’ll touch on below.) So, let’s assume you are producing enough writing that you want to deepen your knowledge of the craft and are looking for a critique group. What aspects should you consider?

Fit

If you’re writing adult romance of course you wouldn’t fit in a group writing picture books for young readers, or in a group made up primarily of thriller writers. Don’t jump in just because it happens to be the only group meeting at your local bookstore/library. Look for a group writing in your genre or format; they will have the experience to give you the kind of feedback you need.

Consider the level of publishing history in the group. If you’re a newbie this may not be of such concern. It is good to bounce your material off others who’ve made the transition into publication. However, if you have a history of being published and are looking for a new group, consider how many members are already published. If you’re the only one with publishing history in a group, you may end up being constantly sidetracked with basic questions that don’t really pertain to critiquing a piece of writing before the group.

Ease

How easy is it to meet the requirements of the group? If  you’re going to join—commit. Can you easily make the time, and work with the format and the way the group has structured its delivery of manuscripts? These days, many groups are online which has facilitated the ease of attending. However, you may be asked to deliver your documents to the group through a variety of ways. Be sure you understand the technology, the expected delivery dates, the methods, etc. If it’s a live meeting does the location/time vary? Are members expected to bring food/drink?

Which brings up the list of things you should check out before deciding if a group is the right fit for you.

Other considerations

In addition to fit and ease some things you should inquire about include:

• Is there a designated leader of the group who is responsible for communications/scheduling? Or does this duty rotate?
• How long has the group been around? (This speaks to the commitment of the members.)
• Is there a clearly defined process for critiquing? (Who can submit at each meeting? Is there a page/time limit
• How are comments solicited—do individuals raise their hand? Or is it round robin with everyone commenting, or written comments only.
• Do the writers read their pieces? Does someone else read them? Are pieces critiqued as homework beforehand?)
• Does the group have other activities? Do they have occasional speakers? Outings? Writing prompts? Publishing of anthologies?
• Are there folks who are willing to be beta readers for longer works outside of the group?

Evaluating the group

Once you’ve joined a group it’s good to stop at some point and evaluate whether it is a good fit for you and if you are getting the kind of feedback you need to kick your writing up a notch. Some things to consider include:

• Is the time commitment and ease of attending and submitting work the best fit for you?
• Does the group really know how to critique? (Take a look at the resources below for info on how to do that.)
• Importantly, are they closely studying the manuscript and not the writer’s beliefs? Is there support—uplifting—and not a constant tearing down?
• Are comments easily forthcoming, or do you need to prod to get folks to speak up? Are you getting more than a pat on the head, and a “good job.” (Which isn’t useful.)
• Are the folks in the group committed to the success of the group? By this I mean do they attend even when they do not have something for others to critique. Solid members attend to help others, not solely to get help for themselves.

Final thoughts

It may take a while to build up trust with a group. When we expose our writing to others we are not only asking for help with the craft but are also vulnerable to ridicule/hurt. This may be why some writers avoid critique groups. Before you join a group ask yourself if you are ready to face facts that may not be pleasant to consider—like rewrites. I have been in groups where a writer has gotten outraged at criticism. Some folks simply cannot face the fact that what they’ve created is not exemplary. So, take a deep dive into how you interact with the world. Is it you? Or the group? Another reason some writers are not part of critique groups is that they may only be writing in long form and feel they work best with just a small group of beta readers.

Finding a group

Florida Writers Association has a list online.  It’s especially good for locating local groups.  Also, take a look at the Jane Friedman article linked here (and below in the resource links). Her guidance about where to find groups is spot on.

Good luck!

Resources:

• Florida Writers Association writers groups
• Jane Friedman: How to Find the Right Critique Group or Partner for You.
• Guidelines for giving and receiving a critique: https://www.thewritersloft.org/critique