Writing Critique Groups – Can’t find one? Create your own.

/ D. Wallace Peach

Greetings, Storytellers. Diana here today. I just had the great pleasure of visiting my old writer’s critique group and gabbing about books with a few people who became dear friends. It seems a good time to hammer home the importance of peer feedback.

My first book was a masterpiece, of course. I poured my heart onto the pages, begged my family to read it, and labored over revisions until it was undeniably sublime. Then I sent my newborn tome to agents and publishers, certain they’d coo with delight and sign me up with a fat advance. The result: Reject…Reject…Reject…Reject…Reject…

“What went wrong?” asked silly, starry-eyed me, a clueless look on my face. Little did I know (literally).

I discovered the answer to that question when I joined a writers’ critique group. With tender support and pointed criticism, my peers taught me that my baby was far from beautiful. Apparently, I was determined to describe every character’s point of view in every scene. Among other lame verbs, I found “was” extremely handy. I overwrote with reams of tedious detail that could sink an insomniac into a coma. This embarrassing confession encompasses only a teeny-weeny sliver of my writing transgressions, but you get the idea. My baby was a toad.

The good news? After two years with my critique group, the toad emerged transformed. I landed a publisher and the rest is history. I know now that well-informed, honest feedback is essential to learning and refining my craft, and joining a critique group was the smartest step I took in my writing career. Without hesitation, I advise all new (and stalled) writers to find one.

And if you can’t find one, start your own.

Here are some things to consider whether you’re looking for an established group or forming one from scratch:

Group Composition

In many cities around the world, there are writers’ organizations that support our writing efforts. These are great places to discover existing groups or meet writers interested in sharing critiques. There are three such organizations within an hour of my home, and it was through one of them that I found my first group. Later in my career, I formed my own group locally so I didn’t need to drive as far.

Not all groups are alike and finding the right one is like finding the right therapist, sometimes you have to work at it to get a good fit. You want the truth, but in a way that’s helpful and encourages you to grow. Some groups are loosey-goosey, others more formally structured. Learn as much as you can about the expectations of a group and be honest with yourself about your needs and the time commitment you’re prepared to make.

A few considerations:

  1. Not everyone in a critique group needs to write in the same genre, but there may be certain drawbacks to being the only romance writer in a group of military sci-fi writers.
  2. Four to five members is ideal, providing sufficient feedback while not overwhelming members with critiques.
  3. A mix of male and female participants is great for garnering different perspectives.
  4. Though some writers may prefer a group of writers with equivalent experience, a mix of new and seasoned members can be extremely rewarding.
  5. If a group experience leaves you discouraged or angry, don’t stay. Groups are supposed to vitalize your love of writing, not drain your enthusiasm.

Structural Norms

Structure varies from group to group. Some meet face-to-face, others are entirely online. In general, guidelines for effective critiquing are the same, but I’m a strong proponent of in-person feedback where it’s easy to elaborate on comments, ask/answer questions, and take advantage of group brainstorming and discussion.

However a group is structured, there will be norms related to timing, length of submissions, and how critiques are returned to the authors. My critique group met twice a month for approximately three hours. We emailed submissions and received critiques between meetings. During our meetings, we elaborated on our critiques and answered questions for each author. (Set time limits if meetings run over, rather than skip someone’s work.) We eventually employed an egg-timer to keep the chatterboxes on track!

Receiving Feedback

Rarely do two people provide the same advice, and sometimes what one person loves, another would “suggest tweaking.” Sally may be great at tracking emotional themes while Margo is the queen of punctuation. Larry gives a man’s perspective of … well, everything. Jenny adores lurid descriptions, and Katie is the verb police. Everyone brings something to the table, and the author uses what’s helpful and dumps the rest.

Some writers submit first drafts, others a final product, and most something in between. What a writer turns in for critiquing will flavor what comes back. A critique of an early draft may point at awkward dialog, holes in the story, and believability of action and emotion. For a later draft, the critique may focus on word choice, phrasing, grammar, and/or punctuation. Remember, a critique group does not eliminate the need for careful editing prior to submission or publication.

Giving Feedback

A critique group is different from a support group, though they overlap. My mom was a one-woman support group; she’d loved everything I’d written since I was six. Critique groups, on the other hand, should offer a balance of support and criticism. Writing is personal, and when a writer shares his work and asks for feedback, it’s an act of trust, worthy of respect.

An effective critique starts by emphasizing the strengths of the work. An initial focus on the writer’s successes makes hearing suggestions easier on the ears and heart. There’s always something positive to comment on – the story, a scene or character, dialog, a description, humor, rapport, tension, punctuation, word choice, grammar, or pace. A critique is successful if a writer feels good about his or her work as well as eager to tackle the hurdles.

When we critique another person’s writing we are commenting on the work, not the person. We are cognizant of our personal preferences and writing style and separate these from our critiques. The most helpful criticism is specific to the piece. It points to a word, scene, or paragraph and explains what isn’t working for the critiquer. Then the writer can see exactly where the challenge lies, learn about another’s perspective, and make a choice. Broad negative statements aren’t only signs of a poorly-crafted critique, they’re unhelpful and demoralizing. Broad positive statements are fine, but grounding positive feedback with examples shows the writer the strengths they can build on.

A note of encouragement: When I joined my critique group, not one of us was published. Five years later, we all were!

Have you ever been part of a writer’s critique group? How was the experience? And would you like to try one?

Happy Writing!

128 thoughts on “Writing Critique Groups – Can’t find one? Create your own.”

  2. I like the idea of forming my own critique group. In the past, the feedback was more a criticism without any discussion on how to make it better, so I stayed away.
    Thank you for sharing your experience.

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    • Thanks for dropping by Luciana. One of the nice things about face to face groups is the discussion that follows each critique. And it also allows more experienced critiquers to model for new members. A group with solid norms (about kindness, being specific, and sharing ideas) is essential. 😀 Best of luck with your writing!

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  3. Hi Diana, I am part of a writing group but not really a critique group. I used a developmental editors for my three longer books and that was very helpful. I always have my books edited at the end of the writing process too, but a few errors always slip past.

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  4. Great information, Diana. I’ve never been part of a critique group, though I have a very honest editor. I’m seeing the benefits of a critique group just from reading your post. Thanks for sharing this info.

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    • Thanks for dropping by, Beem. It was such an interesting conversations with everyone sharing a wide range of experiences as well as what works currently in their writing journey. I think the ultimate conclusion is that we don’t know what we don’t know, so we need honest constructive feedback in order to improve. Happy Writing!

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    • Yes, sometimes critiques hurt, but if they’re thoughtful, encouraging, and specific, they can make us better writers. Like any art, there’s a learning curve. No one plays the violin perfectly on the first try. We need practice and feedback to get better. And before we know it, our written “music” starts to sound better. Thanks for the visit and the lovely comment, my friend. ❤

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  6. I belonged to three different critique groups over the years. They all brought something different to the table, and some where more helpful then others. It was through my first critique group that I learned the value of feedback from peers. That jumpstarted my growth as a writer. Eventually, I moved from group settings to sharing with critique partners. Now, I’m part of a trio that I couldn’t imagine working without. Critique from other authors is something every writer should experience.
    Fabulous post, Diana!

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    • Thanks for sharing your experience, Mae. I think as we get better, our needs become more pointed, which is why many of us shift to critique partners instead of groups. I love the idea of a trio – perfect for getting a couple different points of view. Hmm. Something for me to think about too. Thanks for the excellent advice and Happy Writing. 🙂

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  7. I maintain that of all the things that have happened in the last few years regarding my writing journey, finding a terrific critique group was the best thing I’ve done. The proper mindsight is to be open to constructive criticism. We don’t get on skis for the first time and zip down a mountain. Why should writing be any different? Finding a group of people who you can trust and provide constructive criticism is where it’s at. I advise anyone on the fence to get out of your head about it. We all need help; even experienced writers can benefit. I’ve learned to take the feedback of others and look at my writing objectively. More than 90% of the time, my critique partners are right! What about those times when you disagree with their assessment? Try to understand their point of view, but still trust your gut.

    I walked into an established group with norms already set. One of the best parts of the process is the writer MUST LISTEN to all of the other people in the group before we move into the phase called “open discussion.” This prevents the writer from getting into a back-and-forth and getting defensive. Part of the joy of the process is that I get into my partners’ projects as much as I do mine. Watching someone bring their baby to life is a necessary and joyful part of the process. Knowing that we helped someone else get to the finish line is a great feeling.

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    • What a great comment, Pete, and I’m so glad that you’ve found a group that fits your needs. That might take some time to find, but it’s such a good feeling when it happens. No one skis moguls or plays a perfect melody on the violin the first time out. 🙂 I thrived on the feedback too, and you’re right that we don’t have to use it all. It’s our story and we know it best. And finally, I totally agree that there’s as much joy in helping others succeed as in experiencing our own success. Great point! Happy Writing!

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    • I love that toughness, Jill. It’s so rewarding to know that eagle eyes are on our work and that they’ll help us make a book as good as it can get. We don’t know what we don’t know, which is why honest feedback is so essential. Thanks for popping over and Happy Writing!

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  9. Great information Diana. I haven’t been lucky enough to find a critique group, so author friends come in handy for feedback 🙂 . All valid points. A critique is not a personal assault and if so, time to go. 🙂 ❤

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  10. I’m very conflicted when it comes to critique groups. Not because I’ve ever been in one – I haven’t – but because I know from personal experience how potentially damaging the wrong kind of response can be.
    Only three people have ever read one of my WIPs [works in progress]. One completely changed /how/ I told the story [in a GOOD way]. One ignored the story and just castigated me on my punctuation, almost making me stop writing altogether. The third suggested a change that would have made the story much more accessible and ‘normal’, but would have completely destroyed the core of the story.
    Since then, I may post the odd scene of a WIP on my blog, but no one gets to see the whole story until I’m completely happy with it. At that point, I send the story to my beta reader – hi Chris! – for his eagle eye.
    Chris and I beta each other’s books because a) we write in the same genre, b) we’re both fanatical about finding and correcting errors, and c)…we trust each other. Of those three points, trust is the biggie. I honestly don’t know if I’d ever be able to trust a group of strangers with something so close to my heart. 😦

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    • Thanks for the thoughtful response, Andrea. So a mixed experience for you. Finding the right group is essential as well as being clear about what we want in terms of feedback. One of the nice things about face to face groups is the ability to easily communicate and make sure we’re all on the same page. But that doesn’t matter if you have a wonderful critique partner and you both are supplying each other with honest helpful feedback. It sounds like Chris is that trusted partner.

      What I noticed in a number of these comments is the importance of a good leader/norm for these types of groups, the importance of speaking up for what we need, that our needs will change as we gain experience, and as always, we need to find a good fit – even if that means a group of two. 🙂

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  13. Great post, Diana. I’ll also add that writers have a tendency to suggest revisions to a manuscript that would better reflect how they would write it. Giving constructive feedback is all about helping a colleague produce the best version of their story, written to the best of their abilities and in line with their unique voice.

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    • Yes. Staci mentioned that too, Sean. It’s an important part of respecting an author’s work. We each naturally bring our preferences to the table (no matter the topic), but in our group we also stressed that if the advice doesn’t feel right, don’t use it. I always figured that if someone cared enough to actually stop reading and write down their thoughts, their opinions were, at least, worth serious consideration. Thanks for dropping by and adding to the conversation, my friend. Happy Writing!

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  14. I love my writing group! If I get by with very little criticism, I’m pretty confident my work’s in good shape. We do a lot of the things you suggest, and most people leave feeling energized to keep writing. Every once in a while, a person joins who doesn’t really want us to point out how something in his story can be improved, but most people come for positive feedback. It’s helped me grow as a writer. This was a wonderful post!

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  15. I’m a firm believer in critique groups and/or partners. When we couldn’t find one that met our needs, my friend and I started a critique group years ago. We were fortunate to have a writing coach/editor join us and she took over leadership of the group. (She had a book nominated for a Pulitzer many years ago.) I no longer attend as I have online critique partners. Good idea about the egg timer. There always seem to be chatty ones in each group, and then there are some who are always “needy” without regard for anyone else. Great post, Diana.

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    • I’m so glad you had such a great experience, Joan. A good leader is a huge help too. Like you, I now work with a critique partner, but I loved being a part of the group. And yes, an egg timer was essential – a chatty bunch! Especially when we all became friends. Happy Writing!

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  17. Great advice for finding a critique group, Diana 🙂 I found invaluable advice in mine. It really helped me see my weakness and strength as a writer. Plus, I enjoyed the support and friendship that developed.

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  18. I haven’t had much luck finding a critique group or even a partner – and it’s not from lack of trying. I’ve decided once I get the WIP to a somewhat coherent place, I’ll ask again in a FB group where I’m a member. I feel like in my situation I need someone very familiar with YA. You gave some wonderful suggestions, Diana, and how wonderful all of you were published!

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  19. Such a worthy topic, Diana. My current work is heavily influenced by the efforts of critique groups. I am so thankful for the time and effort of many. One complaint: Some members think their job is to find flaws. It’s also to find the good. In balance. Otherwise, thin skinned people like me get discouraged!

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    • You make a very good point, Jacqui, about people who think their job is to find flaws. There have been times when I’ve sat in workshop and wondered if someone would find the same flaws if a story were published in a magazine or book. Sometimes, a story presented for feedback really is ready to be published. (In that case, my feedbak is “Don’t mess with it!”)

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    • Somehow I missed your comment, Jacqui. I’m so glad you’ve had a good experience with your critique groups. I really like negative feedback (I’ve got rhino skin), but I completely agree that balance is important. People need to know what’s working too and what they’ve nailed! I left my group because I stopped getting negative feedback. Maybe my books were ready to go (or as good as they could help me get them), but it also meant I couldn’t grow anymore and learn with them. A double-edged sword there. Happy Writing, my friend.

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  20. Excellent post, Diana. I always appreciate honest critiques and find them to be invaluable. As much as one might feel awkward about the responses, gratitude is always my overwhelming response. 😊

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    • That’s how I feel, Gwen. I learned to absolutely love criticism when offered constructively. I would never have learned to write without the efforts of other writers. I was soooo clueless! Ha! Thanks for stopping by and adding your thoughts. Hugs!

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  21. I have been part of a group but felt that feedback was limited. I guess no one wanted to really say out loud what needed to be improved. I find one on one critiques to be the most value. Super post, Diana. My personal belief is to finish a rough draft before exposing it to critique. I have found too many times writers become discouraged by details, and it’s best to have a book done and then correct the problems. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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  22. As you say, Diana, finding the right people is paramount. I once joined a local writing group, but it turned out none of them wanted to be published and weren’t that serious. Needless to say, it didn’t turn out to be a good fit. Since then, I’ve found a couple of online folks to help with feedback. Great post, and thanks for sharing 💕🙂

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  23. When I first started writing fiction with the intent to publish it, I joined two critique groups and formed a third with peers. Every single one of them was run differently, and though there was some overlap with members, they all offered different suggestions. I’ve since moved past the group setting to using trusted critique partners, but one thing remains the same throughout the journey. Writers thrive in a system of respect and wither on a choked, oppressive vine. So glad you mentioned that aspect in your post today. Excellent work, Diana. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    • I’m at the same point now too, Staci, where trusted critique partners are a better fit. But my group critique experience was invaluable, and I learned an incredible deal about writing through that experience. Yes, respect and kindness are a must when giving critiques. One of the benefits of a face-to-face group was we made it fun and modeled good critiques (and good behavior) for each other. Thanks for swinging by and Happy Writing.

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  24. I’ve been a part of three different critique groups and found them all to be extremely helpful. I would like to be part of a group now but haven’t found the right one yet. I like your idea about starting one. I’ll give that one some more consideration. I like the in-person meetings. It gives you a chance to get to know the other writers, not just their work. Plus, there is usually wine or coffee. 🙂 Thank you for sharing the basic structure of a good critique group, and I’m glad you emphasized the importance of focusing on what is good about the work before tearing it apart. Thank you for sharing, Diana! Good stuff!

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    • Ha! Wine and coffee! I’m so glad you’ve had great experiences with your groups, Jan. We met at a diner, and it was always the highlight of my week. I think as we get better at what we do, it becomes harder for us to find a group that challenges us and helps us grow. We need highly skilled writing partners. But when we do, it’s marvelous. Happy Writing!

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  25. After going through six years of undergraduate and graduate workshop critiques, I’d had enough of workshop. The type of feedback I go after now is reader-response gut reactions when I’ve taken the piece as far as I can on my own. I also find it helpful to have people who can serve as a sounding board when I have questions or I’m stuck.

    I’d be very interested in hearing what others think about critiquing pieces of a novel while it’s still in progress. I find it very difficult to provide feedback on an isolated chapter that is supposed to contribute to a whole, when I haven’t seen the whole because it doesn’t yet exist.

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    • Great comment, Liz. I was in a group for 5 years, and left when I didn’t feel like I was learning anything new. Now I use a critique partner who is rather ruthless, which I appreciate. In my old group, we did critique a novel from beginning to end, one or two chapters at a time, so the author got our impressions as we moved through the book… like a reader. Sometimes, a writer would resubmit a chapter if they’d made a lot of changes, but usually it was just an update so we could keep moving forward. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. Happy Writing!

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    • I’m the same way, Liz. Early in my career, I had one brutal critique group that did more harm than good. In another, I was the only published author. Now, I rely on eagle-eyed beta readers who’ll let me know if something feels off. And, of course, my amazing editor. 😀

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      • I’m so sorry that you weren’t able to find a good fit, Sue. A demoralizing group is the worst. I didn’t mind a mix of writing experience, but eventually left when I didn’t feel like I was learning anything new (probably your experience as the only published author). That’s great that you found some eagle-eyed beta readers. I rely on critique partners now (and a great editior). Thanks for sharing your experience and adding to the conversation!

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  28. Pingback: Writing Critique Groups – Can’t find one? Create your own. | Legends of Windemere

  29. I am in two on-line critique groups, Diana. I find them both helpful. As I have two works finished (first draft) I am posting one in each.
    You are correct about different people liking different things. I had one critiquer telling me that one paragraph of description (that I thought of as scene setting) did nothing to advance the plot and suggested cutting it. Another said how she loved my descriptions and how they helped her visualise the action. (I kept the paragraph!)
    I would not be without a critique group.
    Will reblog when I get Tomy pc later. Reblogging on a tablet isn’t as simple.

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    • Isn’t it funny how different readers like/dislike the same exact thing? It’s not that uncommon, and it makes me roll my eyes and laugh. I think it’s good to know too. It reminds us that we’re the ultimate boss when it comes to our work and that no book is going to satisfy every reader. You are one busy woman with two groups going on at the same time. What great discipline! It shows in your books too. Happy Writing!

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    • I’m so glad you’ve had luck with critique groups, Audrey. Local writers’ organizations are wonderful resources, and I’m glad you’ve taken advantage of what they have to offer. I have two in my area, both about a 60-90-minute drive away, which has been too far for me to pursue lately, but I love the energy and excitement they generate. Thanks for dropping by, and Happy Writing.

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