How To Find Writing Critique
Find your tribe and watch your writing improve
Just say the word “critique” among writers and you’ll see a shudder go through the crowd.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
A bad critique is just that — bad. What if we talked about all the good that comes from critique?
Every writer deserves a chance to get constructive criticism that will help them improve their writing, without being torn down.
The fact that you’re even interested in critique means you have the capacity for improvement, you just need to find the feedback that works for you.
Once you find the right fit for critique, your writing will take off to new heights.
What is Critique?
Critique is more than overall feedback. It is more than somebody saying “I liked this..” or “I didn’t like this…”
Real critique comes from people familiar enough with the writing craft to tell you specifically what is not working.
Not how to fix it, but what isn’t working.
Critique should cover:
- Plot/Structure
- Any inconsistencies
- Character development
- Use of setting
- Dialogue issues
- How the piece opens and how it resolves, etc.
That may sound like a lot, but don’t worry. Once people start talking about a piece most of this comes out naturally.
As long as you go into critique looking for honest feedback to improve your writing, you’re starting in the right place.
Good Critique Transcends Genre
While it can be extremely helpful to find a critique partner who knows your genre inside and out, don’t discount authors from other genres.
The craft of writing at its core is the same, and some of the best feedback I’ve received is from authors how have never once read my genre.
The genre of your critique partner matters less than the level of writing experience and success.
Worried about genre specifics? Find a beta reader.
Critique is about whether the writing craft is executed well enough to translate your idea into the readers head.
In-Person Group or Virtual?
The structure of a critique group matters. It contributes greatly to the dynamic, and whether the group is the right fit for you.
Since the pandemic, many critique groups have gone virtual, making them more accessible, but be aware that this might change.
If you choose a virtual group, ensure that the group is private and secure.
Submissions for critique should be kept behind a password-secured site that only members can access. If writing is posted on a public site, it is considered published.
This is important, so I will repeat: Understand that anything posted on a public site is considered published.
For authors pursuing traditional publishing, this can come as a shock when an agent must decline the project that’s been published chapter-by-chapter on the internet.
Virtual groups should have rules and security, and in-person groups should have by-laws and trust.
Which Style Works For You?
Some groups meet every week, others at longer intervals.
Some critique groups require you submit in advance and may even have a weeks-long wait until your piece is up for feedback.
Other groups expect you to read your piece aloud and receive critique on the spot. If your writing is geared more toward audiobooks, this may be the way to go, as writing can often sound very different than it reads.
For me, finding a small enough group that I could get feedback within a week or two of when I want it was important. I chose a group that requires we read prior to the meeting and present feedback to the group.
Start With Local Writing Groups
Whether they are official associations through your state or city, or a gathering of local writers in your area, look at what opportunities surround you.
Since the pandemic, many writing groups have gone virtual, and may be easier to attend than back in 2019.
Bookstores and libraries may also have information on groups.
Even if the groups aren’t meeting in person in these locations, just knowing that one exists will help in your search. It’s also possible the staff still has the contact information for the group leader, so ask.
Or go to your local/neighborhood social media and ask if there are other writers in the area. You’d be surprised how many groups are active without much of an online footprint.
Ask your writer friends out they get critique They might belong to a group and can get you an invitation. Or you might find that they are interested in starting one with you.
Check out the Big Associations
One of the benefits of joining a national genre-specific writing association is the resources available.
Many of the well-known associations have local chapters you can contact for questions.
They may also have a forum dedicated to linking up writers for feedback.
And some, like the Women’s Fiction Writing Association (WFWA) run events for authors to submit and receive either peer or agent critique.
While these larger associations require an annual membership fee, you may find the cost well worth the benefit for receiving vetted and structured feedback (instead of just asking somebody on the internet).
Online Search
There are various online critique groups. Some better than others.
As I do not have experience with any of these groups, I won’t name or recommend them here, but I have heard from authors who have made these work.
Check reviews and check their security and process.
Also, take online reviews with a little healthy skepticism — the hard truth is that some people aren’t willing to accept that their writing isn’t perfect. Or perhaps the group isn’t accustomed to giving structured critique.
You’ll have to decide whether the group is enticing enough to give it a try for one round.
Hire Critique
If you aren’t able to find critique that works for you, or if you tried and got burned, trusted industry professionals can be a great resource. Editors and agents offer experienced critique because every author deserves to receive helpful and constructive feedback if they want it.
But be careful — not every editorial service offering critique is equal.
Here’s what to look for:
- Experience. You’ll want someone who has worked with enough books to know what works and what doesn’t.
- Professional Education/Certification. This ensures the person providing critique has at least a basic understanding of the industry.
- Testimonials. Don’t just believe what is written on the site, ask to contact a few previous clients.
- Professional Association Membership. This ensures they are staying up-to-date on shifting industry standards.
There is nothing wrong with paying for your critique, but since there are so many resources out there, don’t consider this a necessary cost. Think of it as a last resort, if the other methods don’t work for you.
There are many options to find critique that works for you.
Remember, it’s not easy hearing what you’re doing wrong, but it will be the fastest way get it right.
Keep trying different methods until you find a group that fosters your growth as a writer. Because when you find them — you’ll know.
