How to Find a Writing Critique Group

Pitch Wars is a wonderful contest that helps writers. Brenda Drake was the creator. To find out more, click here.

By entering the contest, I found a critique group that I’m still a part of today.  

​What is a Critique Group?

Mine is a group of writers that write in a similar genre as me, which I’ve found works best. By partnering with other writers this way, your group will be filled with people who are focused on what readers want in that particular genre. 

Yes, I read in multiple genres, but I also read a ton within the one I write in. And the idea is for the group to be filled with similar writers doing the same. But even if your critique group is filled with writers of different genres, overall, you want partners who know how to construct a story (pacing, characterization, character arcs, show vs tell, etc.). These people aren’t just readers, they’re writers as well. They know what problems to look for and usually have suggestions on how to fix them. 

How to Find a Partner

1. If you don't have a group yet, search on Twitter for hashtags that coincide with your genre. Then do some research into each writer using that hashtag. Explore their website, add them on Facebook, reach out to see if they're interested in another critique partner.
   
   
2. You can also look up the hashtag: #CritiquePartner. But I want to stress the importance of making sure the other writer is a legit writer before approaching. 
   
   
3. Join a local writing group. I found mine by search Google, and then locating one on Facebook. Attend a meeting and ask around. But remember, a good partner is someone who can help you improve your writing. So just because a person might be at a meeting, doesn't mean they've written any books. Follow the steps below to find out if a partner will be the right fit for you. 

​Found a Partner, Now What?

1. Exchange two chapters of each other’s manuscript
   
   
2. Critique and edit those chapters (focus on pacing, opening scene, show vs tell, how the main character is introduced, etc.) — This process should take no more than one week.
   
   
3. After receiving your critique back, thank the person for reading (I thank them before I open the critique). By reading the critique, I can tell whether or not this is someone who knows what they’re doing, and if they give constructive feedback that’s useful. Not every potential partner will jive, and that’s okay. If I don’t think we’ll work well together, I politely let the person know. And if I do think this partnership will work, and they do too, then BINGO. Do this process until you have a small group of partners, thus, a critique group.

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Writing Tip: A podcast that explains Beautiful Prose, Purple Prose. Season 12, Ep. 13. 

Dawn Husted