What is a Critique Group?

Members of critique groups meet regularly, either online or in person, to read each other’s manuscripts and get honest feedback. Writers in critique groups give one another encouragement, offer ideas for revision, and may share marketing information as well. Dozens of children’s writers and illustrators in the Western Washington region meet regularly in various critique groups. Many books and articles have been vetted through these informal, but very professional, support groups.

How do I get involved in an SCBWI WWA Critique Group?

Well, first you must be a member of SCBWI International. The greater Puget Sound Area is brimming with writers and illustrators like you who want peer feedback. To help those members connect, we’ve created a Google Group to help members find a group. Request membership in the group and then post an introduction that includes:

1. Are you writing PB, MG, or YA? Are you a writer, an illustrator, or a writer/illustrator?
2. For which of these genres are you seeking feedback?
3. Would you like to meet your critique partners in person or online?
4. What days or evenings are you available?
5. Where do you live and are you willing to travel?
6. Are you published or pre-published?

Are there any other critique group options?

There are numerous opportunities for critique groups on the web. Yahoo! Groups has a number of writer and illustrator groups available. You can post a message asking to form a group, or your participation might mean you are invited to join an existing group.

There are also other organizations which may offer critique groups. A few regional writing/illustration groups are:

Graphic Artists Guild / SPGA – Seattle
Hugo House
Northwest Christian Writers Association
Pacific Northwest Writers Association
Seattle Free Lances
Whidbey Island Writers Association

For more information, email us at wwa@scbwi.org.