How to Start a Writer's Critique Group

If you're serious about writing for publication, or simply sharpening your writing skills, it's important that someone other than your spouse or mother read and provide feedback on your work. Objective feedback from other writers is critical. But assembling the right group of writers can be a challenge. Approach a writer's critique group as a long-term commitment. While some members will come and go, most critique groups are together for the long-haul. This article assumes you wish to assemble a face-to-face, as opposed to an on-line, critique group.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. DECIDE ON SCOPE. Do some groundwork ahead of time. Some things to think about are: the desired number of members (4-6 is ideal), the genre(s) of the work to be critiqued, whether you want a facilitated group or a free form style of operating, frequency of meetings, and how the group will conduct itself (for example: read works aloud in meetings, or read works prior to meeting).

2. ADVERTISE. The most effective way to find group members who are serious is through a local writer's association. Do some research on-line to locate any associations in your area and become a member. Writer's associations often have annual conferences where you can post a notice that you are starting a critique group. Writer's associations also often have newsletters where they will advertise critique groups seeking members. Other advertising vehicles are community newspapers and Craigslist.com, which reach the general public, so expect a wide array of responses from serious to not-so-serious. Your ad should specify any requirements for members, such as genre limitations, location, and frequency of meetings.
   Example of an ad:
   "Seeking members for Young Adult Fiction Writer's Critique Group in Springfield. Meet monthly. Published and unpublished writers welcome. Contact J.K. Rowling at xxx-xxxx if interested."

3. SCREEN RESPONSES. Once the responses start rolling in, contact the respondents and have an informal chat. Try to form a first impression to determine whether you think he/she would be viable candidate for your group. Ask yourself a few basic questions. Is he articulate? Does he listen or talk over you? Does he consider himself a beginning, intermediate, or advanced writer? In your discussion you should determine whether he meets the basic requirements specified in your ad: genre, location, availability for meetings, etc.

4. SELECT MEMBERS. In talking with the candidates, try to form an opinion on their potential compatibility. If you believe you've found a viable candidate, ask him to join on a trial basis. Be clear that if after the first few meetings, you determine that he is not right for the group, you will ask him to leave, no hard feelings. Likewise, if he determines the group is not meeting his needs, he can quit the group.

5. FIRST MEETING. Hold your first meeting. A neutral venue is best because no one will be distracted playing host. Consider venues like a coffee shop with a private room or a public library. In the first meeting, establish and agree on the ground rules. For example:
   * Meetings will be the first Saturday morning of every month.
   * Each member will send out material for critique one week in advance of the meeting.
   * Members will read the material and prepare comments for the writer.
   * Critique will focus on the broader aspects of writing (theme, character development, etc.) rather than line editing.
   * Each member will have five minutes to give a verbal critique of each piece being critiqued.
   * The author may not interrupt or make comments during the critique; he should just listen and soak it in.

6. FIND YOUR STRIDE. You may not have the desired number of members in the first meeting, and might have to add members after the group is established. Orient new members to the groups mode of operating. After a few meetings, you may find that a few of the rules relax. For example, you may find that members, as relationships are established, will make comments while their work is being critiqued. Remain flexible as long as the group is functioning well, and members are receiving objective, meaningful feedback on their work.

Tips & Warnings

• Strive to remain professional, courteous, and respectful when giving feedback on other members' work.
• Confrontation and injured feelings could arise from time to time. Take a time-out and remind members of the basic ground rules of professionalism.
• If any member is incompatible with the group, do not hesitate to expel that member and replace him.
• Use your best judgment when listening to feedback. Use the feedback you find meaningful to revise your work. But keep in mind that just because you receive feedback, it doesn't mean that you have to use it.

[vikki9]

on 11/6/2008 Wonderful article! I started a very informal group a few months ago and it never got off the ground... 'informal' was the downfall. Your suggestions make sense - structure is important. Many thanks.

[Wasatch]

on 11/3/2008 I would be glad to join an eHow writers critique group with you to rate and let each other know strengths and weaknesses of a new article. Send me a message and I would sign up with you. Wasatch

[Thims]

on 10/13/2008 Interesting. You could sort of play a writer's spoof of America Idol within the group and call it American Author. Good points!