When I attended a local writing group, I noticed a pattern with new members. They wanted to find a critique partner the moment they joined. I admire their courage and assertiveness—it’s hard to show your work to anyone! I understand the need to have someone other than a relative or friend read your work. You want some input, you want to know what you’re doing wrong and you really want to know what you’re doing correctly. You want encouragement, direction and help.
I recommend choosing a critique partner or group with care. I won’t get into the horror stories I’ve witnessed, but you need to find someone you can trust and whose opinion you value. You also need to prove that you can critique their work in a timely manner and provide helpful feedback. If you fix a few commas on your critique partner’s chapter when they ask specific questions about pacing, it’s not going to be a long and fruitful relationship.
Finding the right critique partner or group will take time. Keep your head down and write, but keep your ears open for an opportunity of a critique. (FYI: Editors, agents and authors often raffle off a critique for charity!) And remember, developing your storytelling instincts and self-editing skills are much more important to your writing career than finding the perfect critique partner.
Want to know what to look for in a critique partner or group? Read Jane Porter’s article here.
