WHY ARE CRITIQUE GROUPS IMPORTANT TO YOU AS AN AUTHOR?

Why are critique groups so important? It’s usually suggested that you join one, but how do you find one? What kind should you join? How will it improve your writing?

A critique group will improve your writing

It’s true. In critique groups, there’s usually a schedule to follow. A person submits his or her story, and his or her critiques have to be in by the end of the week. Some groups have two people submit, and those critiques have to be in by the end of the week. Why? The reason for this is simple. It prepares the writer to write on a deadline.

You’ll get honest feedback and suggestions for improvement from the other members, and this is so important! Your fellow critiquers can help you see problems in your story that you’ve missed. Your critique group can help you improve your manuscript with their feedback. Because of the other member’s honest feedback, you’ll be able to catch your mistakes more easily. This improves your writing.

It’s Fun

It really is fun! You develop friendships with the other members that can go beyond the critique groups. Writers live in their own solitary worlds. Developing a friendship with another writer is a precious thing.

You can discuss writing with other writers

That’s right! Talking to another writer is priceless! Yahoo Groups are chat enabled so you can talk to each other. Google still has Google Groups, but I haven’t been in Google Groups to know if they’re chat enabled.

What kinds of critique groups are there and where can I find them? I guess you already know that there are two kinds of critique groups. There are the physical ones and the ones that you find online. 

PHYSICAL CRITIQUE GROUPS

Where can I find physical critique groups in my area? Check your favorite search engine. Put in these keywords: critique groups + (your town and state). You get a list of local groups. If you don’t want to do that, you can check your local bookstores, libraries, churches, etc. I was in a critique group once that not only met on ZOOM, but occasionally met in a local restaurant!

In these physical ones, you read your story to the others and get feedback right then and there. You’re face-to-face with other people.

ONLINE CRITIQUE GROUPS

If your town doesn’t provide a physical group, there’s no reason why you can’t belong to a critique group. They abound on the internet. You might have to try several groups before you find one that’s the perfect fit for you. Where can you find these online critique groups? You can do this easily by going to your favorite search engine and typing in “Children’s Critique Groups.” You’ll get a long list of groups. Once you click on “groups” that takes you to a page where you can search for a children’s critique group. You can do the same thing on Google. Go to their homepage and click on Google groups. All that’s missing in the online groups are the snacks.

A great place to start is Kidlit 411. Another great way to find one is to go to your favorite search engine and type in ‘children’s critique groups. I found there are a lot of critique groups on Facebook (even children’s) so don’t forget to check all of your social networks.

One last thing

Critique groups also give you an advantage over other writers. You’ve already had several other sets of eyes scrutinize your work, and they haven’t.

So, whatever kind of critique group you decide to join, physical, online, or both, stay a while to make sure it’s the right group for you. There are a few ways you can do this. Ask yourself these questions: Am I learning something here? Is the group schedule too much for me to handle? Do the other members take the time to explain their suggestions? Am I comfortable here? Are the other members encouraging? Is there a risk of anyone stealing my ideas? This question should be able to be answered honestly by the moderator. If you can’t answer yes to any or some of these questions, it’s time for you to find another group. When you find the perfect group for you, you’ll be able to answer yes to these questions and more!