SCBWI AZ Critique Corner

Connect with fellow SCBWI AZ members in critique groups

Critique groups are a vital part of a writer, illustrator, and translator’s creative journey. Ask any published author/illustrator/translator, and they will tell you that critique partners are key. They help you dig into your manuscript and elevate your craft. Critique partners also provide a support system with whom you can share the ups and downs as you journey forth.

To find the right group of critique partners, you need to make sure that you know what you are looking for and what you are willing to offer in exchange. It is important to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same goal as you.

Things to consider when starting or joining a critique group

GETTING STARTED

Before you start looking outward, carefully reflect on the kind of critique group you’d like. How you answer these questions will give you an idea of the kind of group you want to find—one that will be the most successful for you. While it’s not always a breeze finding the perfect group, being clear with what you’re looking for will help you stay focused in your search.

»  Do you prefer to mingle exclusively with others in your genre or field, or are you open to mixing (e.g., picture book writers only; all age-group writers; writers only; or writers and illustrators)?

»  How prolific/productive are you? How often do you need feedback from your peers?

»  How do you handle comments from colleagues? Are you able to listen to criticism without getting defensive? Is it easy for you to tune out comments you disagree with and stick with your intuition? Are you willing to give others’ suggestions a try, even if at first you disagree?

»  Do you feel more comfortable with others at your same level, or are you more inspired when you work with people across levels of experience?

FINDING YOUR GROUP

The process of finding or starting a critique group can often be like finding your soul mate, and equally daunting. But before you start crafting that personal ad to post on Craigslist, there are other routes to consider first:

»  SCBWI activities. Check out the SCBWI website and the Bulletin (National and Regional) for a comprehensive list of conferences and happenings geared exclusively for writers and illustrators of children’s books.

»  Writing classes and events. Hang out where other writers and illustrators are! Be on the lookout for various classes that are offered in your community via libraries, universities, community colleges, and other professional organizations. Critique groups regularly launch from these kinds of activities.

»  Blogs and social networking sites. Facebook, Twitter/X, and other social networking platforms have opened a whole new world to the children’s book community, and critique groups have sprung up as a result of how easy it is to connect and share work electronically. Using online tools to find a critique group allows all parties to be completely honest about what they’re looking for—commitment level, experience, feedback needs, and relationship style.

SEARCHING SUGGESTIONS

Regardless of how you go about finding your critique group, there are a few important things to remember about the process.

»  Be proactive and dedicated in your search. Finding the right critique group can take a long time, so don’t expect it to come together overnight—or even after a meeting or two.

»  Remember that successful critique groups come in many shapes and forms. In-person meetings work well for some, while online groups are great for others—especially when spread across geographies.

»  Even in the best of critique groups, dynamics can change and members may end up going their separate ways. Remember that there are just as many critique groups as there are fish in the sea. Keep at it!

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

If you’re starting a brand-new critique group, or as you fold into an existing group, you’ll have some decisions to make together. Talking through each person’s expectations, goals, and styles at the onset will help ensure you’re all on the same page. Here are some things you’ll want to discuss:

»  How regularly do you want to meet? Weekly, biweekly, monthly, or as needed?

»  Where do you want to meet? In person: at a home, library, or café? Or online? Will you include refreshments and food, or are you there strictly for critique?

»  How will you share costs for guest speakers, snacks, or celebrations?

»  If you’re critiquing novels, are you comfortable reading an entire manuscript, or would you prefer to bring individual scenes/chapters for critique?

»  How do you prefer to review one another’s work—in advance by e-mail, or on the spot while read aloud at your meeting?

»  Will the writer read their own work aloud or have someone else do the honors?

»  Will the writer provide photocopies for each group member?

»  How will you comment on one another’s work—taking turns or letting the feedback flow freely as inspired?

»  What will be the group’s size? How will you bring in new members (or will you close the group once the size limit is reached)?

KEEPING IT REAL

Once you find the right critique group, cherish it. First and foremost, respect the work and privacy of your peers. When critiquing, sandwich constructive feedback with praise. When being critiqued, listen and take notes without being defensive.

For more information about nurturing a successful critique group, read Linda Sue Park’s “Give and Take of Critique” (p.33, SCBWI's Essential Guide to Publishing for Children).

Here are some more RESOURCES provided by East Pennsylvania, that you might find helpful regarding critique groups.

SCBWI AZ is excited to provide Critique Group Email Lists, where you can connect with other members in your genre.

Once you have clicked to opt-in to an email list, you will be added to the email list you signed up for.

Our SCBWI point of contact will send periodic emails as members submit information. Understand that you are electing to join an email list. This means your information will be shared with other members who have joined the list. Individuals in this list will include AZ members in your genre who are looking for critique partners.

Please Note: 

·        You must be logged in as an active SCBWI member to join an SCBWI AZ Critique Group Email List.

·        Please make sure your membership is up-to-date.

·        You understand that you are electing to join an email list. This means your information will be shared with other members who have joined the list.

·        You agree to adhere to the SCBWI Anti-Harassment Policy.

·        To unsubscribe from a list, come back to this page, scroll down to the list want to be removed from, and hit the unsubscribe button.

·        If you have any questions, please contact Karen Chow, SCBWI Arizona Assistant Regional Advisor, at [email protected]. 

We have the following email lists you can join as a member:

How does it work for users, and how do you find the email addresses?

When a premium member clicks the green JOIN button for a network, their membership email address is added to the group. The Critique Group point of contact will share all of the emails on each list once or twice a month. You can then contact each other to set up meetings/trial critiques.

Once you have found your critique partners, you may unsubscribe from the list, by coming back to this page and clicking "unsubscribe."