Blogger: Mary Keeley
A commenter on last week’s blog asked about the importance of belonging to a critique group. This biblical advice is a good place to begin:
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success” (Proverbs 15:22).
When applied to participation in a critique group, you begin to envision the main purpose and benefit of belonging to one. But there is some work involved in finding a group that will provide the greatest benefits for your individual needs.
Let’s start at the beginning with a list of the benefits of belonging to a critique group:
- Fresh eyes that read your manuscript can identify craft problems, inconsistencies, and grammar and punctuation problems you haven’t recognized.
- It’s a natural place to receive encouragement and support from fellow writers with whom you develop close friendships.
- It is a safe environment to receive constructive criticism from knowledgeable and trusted partners. Wouldn’t you rather hear it from them rather than from an agent or editor, who will promptly reject your work?
- In the process of critiquing other members’ manuscripts, you’ll improve your own skills.
- Critique group members can be strong in varying areas of craft. Depending on the writing level among participants in your group, you may be able to save the expense of a professional editor or proofreader before submitting to an agent or editor.
- Critique partners can help to promote each other’s books.
- Members can share information about the business side of the writing industry.
I’m often asked, “How do I go about finding a critique group? I haven’t heard of any in my area?” Here are two suggestions:
- Inquire at writers conferences. Conferences provide great opportunities for in-person interaction with members of groups. In my opinion, this is the best way to find like-minded partners who are serious about writing.
- Join national writing groups like American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and others, where you can get information about online groups and local chapers. Smaller chapters are popping up more frequently. A group was organized in my area not long ago. If there isn’t one in your area, start one yourself! I recently read about an online nonfiction group launching through LinkedIn.com.
Speaking of online groups and smaller in-person groups, there are benefits to both:
Smaller local in-person groups
- Give you the advantage of getting to know each other more personally. It’s a natural environment for trust to build among members. You also have a live group in which to practice pitching your book to prepare for meetings with agents and editors at conferences.
- Provide the opportunity to read each other’s manuscripts out loud, which can give you a visual reader reaction to your first few chapters. Problems not drawing readers into your work in the first few pages can be caught this way and remedies identified.
Online groups
- Have a greater chance there will be members who are more advanced writers. They can challenge you and help you to grow faster.
- May not have regular online meetings, which might work better for your schedule.
- Are usually larger groups, which might provide potential for endorsements from successfully published members when your book is contracted.
I recommend you try out a group before you commit to joining. After you have visited a group for several sessions, evaluate if it is a good fit by asking yourself these questions:
- Am I comfortable with all or most of the participants? Is my personality compatible with most of the members? Do I sense dominance by a group member that I wouldn’t usually gravitate toward?
- Do the goals and objectives of the group match mine?
- How many of the members write in the same genre?
- Do the members represent varying levels of expertise? Are there are at least one or two authors who are farther along in their craft?
What additional benefits have you experienced in belonging to a critique group? How did you find your critique group? How many groups did you try before finding one that fits your? Can you recommend a group in your area?
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Morning Mary. 🙂
“they help you grow faster”—totally agree.
I like a mix of experience–that was confusing in the beginning, but if you are just starting out with a group, be patient as you find your sweet spot.
Biggest help to me–pray, pray, pray. God is faithful. If you haven’t found your groove with a crit partners/group yet—keep praying. It will come.
That’s great advice, Anne. Prayer always works!
Wise advice, Anne. And thanks for adding prayer as a foundation.
Great advice here. I had several critique partners early in my writing, but when I started writing inspirational, I wanted like-minded writers to work with. A few fellow inspy bloggers and I joined together for a few years.
Life changes, our goals change, and I now have two individual critique partners rather than a group.
One problem I faced early on was a lack of equity. I critiqued several books for other people, and they never got around to critiquing mine.
Another problem you mentioned–lack of knowledge in a genre. It’s good to have at least one person critiquing who has a deep understanding of your particular genre.
I love my critique partners, and I’m still close to some of my former partners. My motto has always been friendship first!
“I critiqued several books for other people, and they never got around to critiquing mine.”
Indeed! Used to belong to a critique group, which included some folks who wrote stuff which certainly wasn’t my preferred genres, but I still tried to critique the structual and logical foundation of their work, as commenting on their work in regards to whether it followed or went beyond cliches of their genres was something I didn’t know enough about their genres to critique.
When it came for them to review my work, I got nothing but “I don’t get it.” Now, it could have been helpful if they explained what in particular they didn’t get.
Of course, when I doubt they really “got” the absurdist critiques of their work I started giving them instead…. 🙂
Larry, this is a good point–not all people give good critiques. A good critique to me is one that does two things: highlights the strengths and points out the weaknesses. Just saying “I don’t get it,” isn’t helpful. Hearing, “The character isn’t acting in a way I find believable. Try to get deeper into his point of view,” gives me something to work with!
“When it came for them to review my work, I got nothing but ‘I don’t get it.'”
I see this a lot with genre-specific fiction with readers who don’t “get it” when they read certain genre novels. Not their cup of tea, so to speak. For example, I know a reader who thinks that Alexander McCall’s Mma Ramotswe’s detective escapades are the height of suspense. To me, that’s nothing but sipping afternoon tea, though I enjoy his writing.
IMO crit partners who can be most helpful to you are those who not only understand your genre but also your sub-genre so that they can speak the same language as you do. If you ask a purely regency novelist who has no interest in dystopia or science fiction read your mss, what do you think she would say about your entire story as a whole, the romance and human elements notwithstanding? And vice versa.
Good point, Jill. It’s nice to be at a point in your group when you’ve advanced in your writing and can in turn mentor newbie members. But if “life changes, our goals change,” you need to find a new critique situation. Thanks for sharing your successful experience.
Thank you, Mary, for your list of benefits. Who couldn’t use some encouragement and support? 🙂 I agree with Anne…and I’m praying for the right fit.
You’ll find that right fit, Meghan. Keep praying. It may present itself when you least expect it.
I discovered how important critique groups are while at the Mt. Herman Writer’s Conference last month! It’s hard to share your work, because it’s your “baby,” but when you find the right group, they can really encourage you in your focus and direction, help you take your writing to the next level, and suggest some things that you wouldn’t have even thought of. After years of writing, I can now say I am so glad I discovered the benefits of critique groups!
Ditto!
My group has formed naturally out of the connections I made last month at Mount Hermon!
Adelle, thanks for sharing your example. Sometimes it happens as naturally as that.
So true, Christi. The benefits to be had make the search well worth the effort and time. I hope you find a good fit soon.
I began critiquing with the online ACFW group last fall. It was fun to see the strengths other writers provided me, and discovering some strengths I have that could help them.
I was invited to join a live critique group in town. We were a group of six, but are currently three. Each of us actually writes in different genres. What has been fun to see is how we each bring different strengths to the group. I’m learning tons from my partners, and I hope they’re learning from me as well.
I definitely resonate with Anne’s words above. Prayer is something I need to be doing more for my partners and our relationship. Thanks for blogging on this, Mary. You share so much great information!
Jeanne, I wondered if I’d hear from someone who has been a part of both an online group and a small in-person group. It sounds like you have benefited from both, but the live group is a better fit for you.
I love my critique group! We met at a local conference and meet together once a week. I love having a local group because we are able to spend much of our time together talking about writer’s issues, great blog posts we’ve seen, things we learned at conferences, etc. I think this feature is *almost* as valuable as the critiques. It’s important to get a good blend of people who are committed to their writing, professional, and faithful to the group.
Before I started writing for the Christian market, I belonged to a secular critique group at our local library. One woman in the group was trying to write Christian romance and was constantly being critiqued on her faith message rather than on her writing. I’m glad to be in a Christian group now.
BTW, if you haven’t seen B.J. Taylor’s book, The Complete Guide to Writers Groups That Work–it’s a great resource.
Karen, well said: “It’s important to get a good blend of people who are committed to their writing, professional, and faithful to the group.”
You are blessed to be a part of such an active and challenging local group.
Thanks for mentioning B. J. Taylor’s book.
As far as I know, I live FAR from anyone in ACFW. I know there are a few ladies in Maine, but I can’t drive there on a regular basis. That’s why email and great long distance plans are so awesome.
I wouldn’t say that I have a set group, I do have writer friends who I trust to give me the straight up truth, and with whom I share MS’s and WIP’s and do my level best to help them as much as they’ve helped me. But I haven’t actually met anyone them.
I doubt I could trust my work to someone who didn’t appreciate ‘speaking the truth in love’ and know how to act like a grown-up and separate the critique of the manuscript from a harsh criticism of the person.
I have two friends who’ve become like sisters to me (Becky Doughty and Heather Gilbert)who started out as sorta crit partners and now I’d give them at least one of my kidneys if they needed it.
The highs and lows of a writer’s life are made better with friends who share what you’re feeling and get what you’re thinking.
Jennifer, have you researched to see if there are any local chapters of ACFW close to you? Or perhaps their online group? In the meantime, it sounds like you have a critique partners who challenge each other to grow. If your schedule is packed, this arrangement may be the best of the best for you at this time.
I’m fairly certain the closest is in Maine or New Hampshire. The last time I checked, anyway. Online works better for me since we’re slightly into sports and have fairly crazy schedules. But just because the crit peeps are online, the accountability and toughness does not diminish. Nooooo.
But it is easier to hide if one’s grammar gets worse instead of better.
I feel very blessed by the online critique groups that I have been or am part of. The one that focused all on children’s writing has since closed, but I am still part of one where three of us write for children and the other person writes romance.
Finding a local group has been on my agenda for a while, but it hasn’t panned out yet.
Cheryl, it truly is a blessing that your online group has worked well for you while you wait to find a local group.
What wonderful, encouraging thoughts as always, Mary!
I am so blessed. We have a new (soon-to-be) chapter of ACFW in my area. It’s exciting to see how God is working in our group. Some of us also meet every two weeks or so in person at a local bookstore (coffee shop) to critique, talk writing, uplift, and eat a little chocolate. 😉 All of our personalities mesh, and we have varying levels of expertise so we can help one another. We critique back-and-forth online and whip out our pompons as necessary.
I also have a dear writing friend in the B & S community who’s not afraid to use her red cyber pen. Love her!
Cynthia, you truly are blessed to have all these options. And the fact that your personalities mesh is confirmation you are in the right place. A wonderful atmosphere in which to grow as an author.
Finding a critique group that one is compatible with might be the most important factor, at least with my experience.
It isn’t necessarily finding folks who write in your genre, but who can give a critique that is actually helpful to you.
For example, the way my critique partners and I go about is to get togther and proceed to deconstruct each others’ writing in a way and style which some folks might find too harsh, absurd, or jaded, but for me, not only is it fun, it is helpful critques.
That style might not be helpful for others, nor address what it is which should be addressed regarding their writing, because the writing that the author is going for isn’t meant to address such critiques, but is meant for a specific audience.
So true, Larry: “Finding a critique group that one is compatible with might be the most important factor…” Everything you have described tells me you are in the perfect group for you. That’s something for which to be most thankful.
Thanks Mary for your thoughts on critique groups evaluation techniques, and encouraging us to seek advisers.
I attended a few sessions of a local group, but found it didn’t work for me. My experience mirrors Jill Kemerer’s. I have now settled with two partners I trust.
Our Christian writers group, Quills of Faith, is my best local resource. We meet monthly, but often gather at a local coffee shop or the library to write….and help one another. We have a Facebook page to alert our members where we’re meeting, to share info and good news, and to ask for prayer.
We are blessed, in our town, to have a secular writers group also, and many of us belong to both groups.
I haven’t tried an online group, but know fellow writers who’ve found great benefits belonging to an online critique community.
Love those Tweetables!
I’m glad you found two great cp’s, Kathryn! It’s good to know when to get out of a group, and it’s even better when you find the right fit. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Kathryn, you are fortunate to have those three local options and blessed that you have two trusted partners.
I’m glad you like the Tweetables. Thanks for using them!
An unexpected blessing of my local critique group is that we provide a safe place to fall after rejections or negative reviews. We talk over the feedback, discuss which points are valid and which we don’t agree with, and encourage each other to shake it off and get back in the ring. Of course we celebrate with each other, too, when the news is good!
Jenny, your local critique partners sound like the makings of the best kind of supportive, challenging group. That’s worth celebrating too!
This is great encouragement. I have connected with many people on-line. I am so thankful. I have so much to learn. When I gathered the courage to show people my work and allow them to sharpen it, the results were so much stronger.
Lisa, thanks for your example of a great reason to belong to a critique group. An atmosphere in which you can see continued growth to encourage you in your writing journey.
I belong to a large genre-based online group. I’ve received invaluable critiques, but I’ve learned as much or more from critiquing others’ work. One of the things I like about the online group is the range of writing ability. There are writers whose skills are far above mine, as well as those who are just beginning to hone their craft. I learn from all of them.
Many, many years ago, I belonged to a small, in-person group. There were benefits from the social aspect, but the truth was, we were all fairly ignorant. It doesn’t help to be told your work is marvelous when it really isn’t.
Perhaps the best thing about an online group is the distance. People are less afraid of giving their honest opinion when they aren’t sitting across the table from you.
Elissa, you touched on the strongest benefits of an online group. So good that you found one focused on your genre. You also touched on a potential drawback of a small in-person group.
Great point about the reduced fear factor when you aren’t “sitting across the table” from someone critiquing your work.
I participated in a few local critique groups. But couldn’t seem to find a group where the members were truly committed to writing. My experience mirrored that of Jill’s.
When I started writing fiction I knew I needed the guidance of someone with experience. For four months I prayed for a critique group with at least one published novelist. God answered my prayer with not one, but three multipublished novelists. One of our agents brought us together.
We exchange chapters online. I learn as much from critiquing their manuscripts (though at first I was nervous about critiquing their work :-))and seeing how a novel is put together as I do from their excellent critiques.
We’ve become prayer partners, cheerleaders, and brainstorming partners. I thank God for the blessing of Ann, Sarah, & Bonnie.
I love this, Judy! I recently had an unexpected critique situation–and I prayed until the answer charged at me. I’m really thankful! We are so blessed when God answers prayers!
Judy, I think your original experience is common to many serious authors. The way God answered your prayers is an encouragement to any serious author seeking God’s provision. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you, Mary. I knew I’d learn something new whenever I visit the Books & Such blogs.
Your 4 questions are helpful. Particularly: “How many of the members write in the same genre?”
I was thinking that it also applies to paying freelance editors to read mss — whether they understand your genre or not. For example, in science fiction, sometimes new words are coined, new inventions made up, but an editor who is not familiar with science fiction lingo or is technology-challenged… would she be able to go far enough for a “deep clean” on the mss?
I also like #4: “Are there are at least one or two authors who are farther along in their craft?”
I will keep that in mind! TQ!
Jan, I’m glad the tips are helpful. I hope you find a group that fits you and your writing well.
We have a group–Tuesday’s Children–that has met weekly from 9-12 for over 15 years. We started out with 14, but through the years–due to jobs, moves, etc.–we’re down to about 5 regulars now, and sometimes 2 more. It seems each one has different skills–one writes for children and teens, one looks for the 5 senses, one weeds out all the helping verbs. I’m the proofreader. We’re also prayer partners and have seen a lot of prayers answered during this time.
Ah, Donna, you have something for everyone in your group. And 15 years old. You are a highly functional group. You are indeed blessed.
I started a writers group with a friend I met at Mt. Hermon Writers Conference last year..we were newbie writers and invited participants from the conference alone. Our group formed and we picked critique partners and I have had the best critique partner in Jenni Brummett. I am writing my first book a narrative non fiction and Jenni is writing a fiction novel. The best blessing is we have now become friends.
Time passed, some people left but this year at the conference I invited many more people so the group is large again. We meet later this month (April 20_ and will be picking critique partners within the same genre. God has blessed our efforts and it has been invaluable help to my writers career. I am able to run by my devotions and greeting card ideas to the whole group for feedback. We meet in Mt. View California for anyone interested who has been to Mt. Hermon, that is the criteria and a serious desire to be published.
A real success story, Miriam. Aren’t you glad you took the initiative?!
My critique group has been essential in my writing growth. Like you said, not just what they told me about my manuscript, but what I learned critiquing theirs. Mine are varied in strengths helping me in many areas of craft. Additionally, we started a group blog together, which draws in readers from each of our platforms. Win-win all around!!!
You said it, Connie. Truly a win-win.
I wish I had a critique group in my area. There is nothing. And I don’t feel led to begin one myself right now. Mary, if you or anyone else, has information about the non-fiction group on LinkedIn, I’d love to learn more about it. Thank you.
Susi, unfortunately, I believe the one I read about that started via LinkedIn is closed. They didn’t want it to get too large.
Looking for critique partners is reason enough for attending a writers conference. That might be the best option for you.
Mount Hermon seems to be a wonderful place to connect with critique partners…the four of us in my critique group met as a Head Start mentoring group with Lauraine Snelling two years ago, and we’ve been together ever since, though we are spread to the four corners of the US–pretty literally. The Lord truly put us together, and they are now among my closest friends and prayer partners, as well as my best writing buddies. I am so very thankful for them. So neat to read about others’ with similar experiences too!
Oops! Forgot to delete that apostrophe. 🙂
Kiersti, thanks for mentioning mentoring groups as another source for connecting with like-minded critique partners. It’s good to hear your wonderful success story.
Thanks Mary for your list of benefits of critique groups. I found the “fresh eyes” to be the best part about my critique group. When I’m writing, I know the whole logic behind what I’m trying to say, but sometimes don’t get that all down on paper. My critique group has been especially helpful in spotting spots where I need a better transition or more information for the reader.
Sharla, it sounds like you’ve found a group that’s the right fit for you. I’m guessing each of you has particular strengths that are helpful to each other.
I needed a critique group that could help me write fiction, so I began talking with those I met at conferences who lived within a driveable commute. We meet every week now, traveling to a central location. To find people willing to commit not only writing time, but driving time as well, is totally awesome. These are all women I expect to see published–one of them just landed a contract–because each one is dedicated to their writing.
Pat, thanks for sharing your example that attending conferences is a great place to meet authors and join or launch a critique group. In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways because you can discern if you feel comfortable with each other, and you can observe their commitment to growing as authors. The group you formed sounds challenging in the best way.
For me, joining a critique group was the single most significant step in turning the corner from being someone who wrote to being a writer.
Until recently, I was regularly participating in three groups. Though I’m now down to one, I just heard of another critique group that is promising.
(All my experiences have been in person, but I’d like to try an online group, too.)
“For me, joining a critique group was the single most significant step in turning the corner from being someone who wrote to being a writer.” That’s a powerful endorsement for critique groups, Peter.
I hope you find an online group that is a good fit for you, too.
Mary, great overview of the pros and cons of a critique group. I have heard the good, the bad, and the ugly on this one.
I’ve been fortunate to find fabulous critique buddies. I think the biggest thing is to get to know the other person in a WRITING setting before committing to work together and then setting boundaries.
I found my critique buddies through MN N.I.C.E.(a local ACFW Chapter) and My Book Therapy. If you are in a remote location, the My Book Therapy Huddle Program kicking off this fall might be a great help.
“I think the biggest thing is to get to know the other person in a writing setting before committing to work together and then setting boundaries.” Excellent advice, Michelle!
Thanks for mentioning the My Book Therapy Huddle Program. That might be a perfect option for some writers reading the blog today.
Reading through the comments, seems like quite a few folks are looking for a critique group.
I know different folks here have started establishing their own writing communities, so perhaps they could extend invitations here to folks looking for some good critiques?
If anyone is already part of a decent online critique group, and the group is looking for members, maybe extending an invitation here would also work?
. . . . I used to belong to Critique Circle till they found out I was a dog. Ouch – that hurt.
Sometimes critique partners are called critters, so you might just fit right in.
Donnie, try another group. Well worth the effort. Not all critique buddies bite.
I live in South Africa and while on the net I happened to find an online accountability writers group. I have belonged to it for two years now and facilitate it. We have had people come and go. I have loved learning from across the sea – I have found culturally we do think differently; but that makes it even more appealing. I am so grateful for the group.
Sandy, thanks for sharing your global online group experience. All it takes is someone like you to keep it organized and functioning. No doubt the cultural variety among your members brings interesting interaction and food for creative thought.
It’s not really just a critique group – it’s a writer’s group, which we members use for everything from brainstorming to critiquing to encouragement and advice. But for teens looking for an amazing online writing community, I can’t recommend Go Teen Writers highly enough. The website is http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com, and then the actual community group is a Facebook group.
Emily, your group sounds like a place where you all truly help each other grow and thrive. A blessing indeed.
Thanks for the Go Teen Writers recommendation. Good information to remember and that may have encouraged a teen writer reading this blog today.
I’m part of two writing critique groups, and they remind me of the movie ‘Blind Side,’ because they find things that I miss sometimes. There is nothing like a pair of fresh eyes looking at your story.
Very thorough. I like it.
It is definitely a good post. A book is not a book until it has been properly vetted to meet the acceptable standard.