Why you Need to Join a Critique Group

I met with my critique group this past week, so this topic is fresh on the brain.

There are so many reasons why writers should be a part (an active part) of a critique group. (I see you introverts cringing, I’ll address this.)

Read to the end for suggestions on how to find a critique group to join.

But first things first, WHY should you join a critique group?

A critique group:

• helps you get used to sharing your writing

• helps you learn how to receive criticism

• gives you deadlines

• improves your writing

• gives you a place to commiserate with others who understand exactly how a rejection feels

• gives you a place to share your wins (even the small ones) with people who “get it”

• can help you learn about the publishing path from others who have gone ahead of you

• often leads to helpful resources

Let’s take these one at a time.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. 

Sharing your writing

I’m an extreme introvert (94% on the Meyer Briggs scale), so I understand how difficult it is to be vulnerable and share the stories that have been living in your head—or computer or notebook. But if you want to write (and get published), you have to learn how to be okay with opening yourself up in that way. If you’re struggling with this, think about which will feel worse for you: receiving criticism on writing you share or your writing never getting out into the world. Or the absolute worst case scenario would be putting work out there that has never been workshopped and receiving harsh criticism from the masses. If you’re going to write for publication, you have to get used to the feeling of sharing your work. A critique group can help with this.

If you’re struggling with being brave enough to share your work, you may want to check out Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly. A friend gave me this book years ago and I found it immensely helpful.

So how do I, an extreme introvert, run a critique group? My desire to publish outweighs my fear of opening up. But that didn’t happen overnight. When I first decided to get serious about writing for children, I attended the Summer Conference for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), which at that time was held in person in L.A. That conference was amazing: overwhelming and inspiring all at once! Several of the agents and editors giving talks stressed over and over how important it was to join a critique group. I came home from that conference energized and ready to throw myself into the world of writing for kids. Another member of our local chapter of SCBWI reached out and asked if I’d be interested in joining a critique group she was starting. I knew this was an opportunity I shouldn’t let pass, so I said “yes!” even though I was extremely nervous.

It took several months of watching other members share their work before I felt ready to share my own.

Receiving Criticism

Getting feedback can be nerve-racking. But it can also be eye-opening and rewarding. Our stories can’t live in a vacuum. It’s imperative to know how they come across to readers. You need to know if your writing is actually conveying the message you’re trying to get across. Critique partners are immensely helpful for this.

The first time I shared my writing in a critique group, I was on pins and needles. My palms were sweaty. I was a little bit trembly. My stomach was tied in knots. But I made myself go through the process. And I’m so glad I did. My critique partners were kind even when they told me what wasn’t working. I learned so much from that experience. I’ve never looked back. Now I look forward to the critiques, and

I don’t want fluffy kind words. I want to know the hard stuff—what isn’t working—because I know that is what will make my writing better.

Gives you Deadlines

Our lives are so full, it can be difficult to make writing a priority. The deadline of sending work to critique partners each month motivates me to spend more time throughout the month preparing for the critique. This works particularly well when paired with an outside deadline such as a writing contest. This is one of the ways I keep myself motivated to write. You can read about other ways to find writing motivation here.

Improves your Writing

Simply writing more frequently is bound to improve your writing. But getting critical feedback on how it can be better speeds this process up. What’s even more powerful is having to critique someone else’s writing. You know when something you read just isn’t working, but having to analyze the words and figure out WHY something doesn’t work makes you really tune in to the craft of writing. By explaining to others what is problematic in their writing, you learn what to watch out for in your own work.

Gives you a Place to Commiserate and Celebrate

Rejections hurt, but they’re an inevitable part of the process. Having writing buddies who have also received rejections and truly understand what this feels like makes the bitterness of disappointment a little more tolerable. And having these same people to celebrate your wins with (no matter how small) is a great feeling too. They get it! They know how much it matters.

Provides Knowledge and Resources

Critique groups are great places to learn about resources available to writers and information about the different paths to publication. They’re invaluable.

I try to share the same kind of knowledge and resources here on my blog. You can sign up to receive my newsletter (using the subscription box at the bottom of the page), so you never miss a post.

Now you (hopefully) understand why it’s so important to me to be a part of a writing group. When the woman who had started our group had to step down from facilitating it a few years later, she struggled to find someone to take it over. No one was willing to assume that role. Our group floundered and fizzled. We would occasionally meet at local writing events and talk about how much we missed our group.

At some point, I decided all the benefits of being a part of the critique group made up for the bit of inconvenience that comes from running one, so I took on the role of facilitator and have never regretted it.

I wholeheartedly encourage other writers to be a part of a critique group. You’ll be glad you did.

How to Find a Critique Group

Check with local chapters of writing organizations to see if there are writers already meeting in your area who are open to new members.

Virtual critique groups are often formed out of Facebook writing groups.

Local bookstores often host writing groups/critique groups. Talk to your local bookseller to see if they know of one you can join.

Meeting other writers at a conference (virtually or in person) is another way to form connections that can lead to a critique group.

If you’re not already part of a writing critique group, I hope you’ll get connected to one soon.

If you found this post helpful, I’d be grateful if you pinned the image below. Thanks!

Keep writing!