Critique Groups: Why They're like Digging for Treasure!

What are Writing Critique Groups and are they worth seeking out?

I recently had an author friend ask me about Critique Groups and how they differed from working with an Editor. I laughed and said they’re like apples and oranges. My Critique Group is composed of other writers in the trenches every day with me, while an editor comes in at the end to help me whip my final manuscript into shape. There’s a reason why of the two, it’s my Critique Group who got an entire paragraph devoted to me gushing about them in my Acknowledgements. So, my answer to the above question is a resounding YES!! Definitely seek one out!

A good Critique Group is a gift and treasure. Over the years, I’ve worked with many Critique Groups and upon examination I’ve identified the traits I feel are the most beneficial and the ones that identify a group not being the right fit. I hope they help you find your own best match.

1. You feel energized and good walking out

Writing is isolating enough. We’re already our own worst critics. So although you obviously want a group to help you identify what’s not working, you hope they do it in a respectful and productive manner.

I once workshopped a piece with a group where they told me every single thing that was wrong with my writing, but did not offer a single compliment about something I did right. Needless to say, I left feeling like a failure and never returned to the group again.

In my current groups, I can almost predict the things they’re going to “ding” me on as I’m writing. They definitely point out my lapses and flaws in my chapters. But they also make sure to build me up and point out what I’m doing right. By the end of a session my creative cup feels full and I’m itching to get back to the page.

2. There is trust and camaraderie.

Sharing a work in progress is like baring a piece of your soul. You need to feel a sense of trust with these people. You also need to feel like you can share the ups and downs and ALL the emotions that go into the writing process.

Not only that, you need to feel like the group will meet you where you are in your journey and help you overcome the obstacles in your way. They are your support system.

Have a writing dilemma and need to talk it through? They’re willing to fit in an as needed phone call to talk you off your ledge. Finding it difficult to find time to write? They’ll help provide accountability to get your butt in the chair.

When you’ve found the right fit, there’s flexibility and acceptance and you never feel alone.

3. There’s continuity and you’re equally committed.

One of the things I find most beneficial about good Critique Groups are they see a project through from beginning to end. However, I’ve also worked with groups that felt like a revolving door of people. It was like starting from scratch repeatedly.

I think this one might depend on the type of writing you’re doing and workshopping. If you’re a short story writer, the style of critique group where you come and go when you can might work. But if you’re workshopping a novel, continuity is key.

It is frustrating to provide backstory for an entire novel when I’m workshopping Chapter Ten because someone is fresh eyes just coming in for the first time. I want people who are committed to being with me, workshopping for the long haul.

I know Critique Groups might not be for everyone. There are some who really do work best in isolation. But for those like me, where a good Critique Group might feel like a lifeline, I hope these tips for assessing your options will help.

Places to Find Critique Groups:

Authors Guilds and Writing Conferences– See my previous post on the benefits of Author Guilds, but one of my benefits was I found both my current Critique Groups through SCBWI. One, I found originally through our regional Critique Group coordinator. The other I found attending our regional Fall Conference. We met in one the workshops and went out to Happy Hour after.

Facebook Groups- There are a TON of awesome writing groups on Facebook. Take the time to just enter Critique Groups, beta readers, ARCs or whatever need you have and you’ll find a tons of resources that can help.

Meetup- There is a Meetup group for everything! So, you can definitely find writers. Depending on your area, you might even have options for either meeting in person or virtually. But, this is another great place to see about finding your people.