Critique Groups

With a statewide virtual critique event happening next Wednesday, June 17, it seems like a good time to talk about critiques (and if you want to join on June 17, make sure you sign up by June 16!).

Why join a critique group?

I'm sure many (most?) of you reading this have critique groups, have been in critique groups in the past, or at least already know the benefits of having one, but just in case, here's a few benefits that I've experienced. 

• Improving your writing: This might be the most obvious one, but hearing what works and doesn't work in my writing (and refining my own writing by commenting on what works and doesn't work in my critique partners' work) has improved my work. There's often a big difference between the first version my critique group sees and the version that I submit to agents/publishers. 
• Supporting each other: Having a group that I can regularly meet with and talk to about the joys and frustrations in my publishing journey helps me to keep going (and of course, I love celebrating with critique group members as they publish their work!).
• Accountability: Knowing that I said Iwould do something (submit to five agents, write a new picture book manuscript, etc.) before my next meeting helps motivate me. When there's no deadline, writing often ends up as the last thing (i.e., the thing that doesn't get done) for me.  

Advice on giving and getting critiques:

There's lots of advice available about giving critiques. SCBWI has some here. I think some of the most useful advice that has worked for me over the years includes:

• Use the sandwich method: Start with something good, say what isn't working, end with something good.
• Take what you need: Sometimes a specific piece of advice feels like it wouldn't work or would change what I was trying to do too much. If a piece of advice doesn't seem like it makes sense, think about what the person giving it may have meant. Even if their "fix" isn't the right one, knowing that something wasn't working in a certain spot may be helpful anyway even if the way you address it is different.
• Sit with advice for some time before revising. Sometimes there's something in me that rebels against some suggestions. I've found if I wait a day (or a few weeks) after getting the advice, the second time I read it, I understand better how I need to revise it (or what I might not need to revise). 

How can you find a critique group? 

Special resources for SCBWI premium members:

• SCBWI has more information on critique groups and a new feature for finding other members for your critique group.
• SCBWI-MI also has a Critique Group Connection. 
• Connecting with people that you meet at a shop talk or an in person or virtual SCBWI-MI critique event who you would like to work with again.

Why should I go to an SCBWI-MI critique group event if I'm already in a critique group?

Great question! Here's some reasons I like to attend these events:

• Fresh set of eyes: After my critique group has commented on the same picture manuscript several times and we think it is ready, I wonder if someone who hasn't seen it before would feel the same. I would like a new perspective.  Critique events are the perfect venue for that.
• Finding new group members: Sometimes group members have to leave a group for various meetings. At a critique event, you may meet SCBWI members who would be a good fit as an additional member for your group.
• Seeing how other people do it: Every critique group is run a little differently. Seeing how other people handle critique discussions may give you ideas for things you want to try in your own group.

Remember to sign up if you want to come next week!