Critique Groups

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 Western Washington Critique Group?

Well, first you must be a member of SCBWI International or have paid for SCBWI Western Washington’s 2007-2008 regional programming. Next, sign up for possible participation in a critique group at one of the monthly meetings (preferable) or emailing your request. You'll be asked for your name, area where you live, phone number, e-mail address and whether you’d prefer to be part of an online or in person group. SCBWI Western Washington Critique Group Coordinator, Lois Brandt, will then contact you with information to pursue one of the options below.

For In Person or Online Groups:

1. Check out openings in ongoing critique groups:
Once you sign up to join a critique group, you will be given information about critique groups with openings for online or in person critique.

2. Start a new critique group:
You can join other SCBWI members who are looking for a critique group and start either a local in person group or a regional online group. Critique Group Guidelines are available from Lois Brandt.

Are there any other critique group options?

There are numerous opportunities for critique groups on the web. Write 4 Kids has a Bulletin Board for writers. 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
Seattle Writergrrls
Whidbey Island Writers Association

Still have questions?

Please feel free to email Lois Brandt.

Attention existing SCBWI Western Washington Critique Groups:

Does your critique group have openings? Please contact Lois Brandt so she can refer interested SCBWI International Members and Western Washington subscribers to you. Remember that admitting new members can help bring fresh perspectives to your work.