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Critique Groups

Critique Groups/Meet-Ups

Critique groups are an essential way to improve your craft and learning about the business of writing and illustrating for children.

If you’d like to participate in a critique group, contact the group leaders.

If you’d like to LEAD a critique group, reach out! [email protected]


Pittsburgh Writers & Illustrators Critique Group

Openings: Yes

Day/Time: 3rd (sometimes 4th) Thursdays at 7 PM EST

Dates in 2024 and 2025: Feb 13 / Mar 20 / Apr 17 / May 14 / June 26 / July 17 / Aug 21 / Sept 18 / Oct 16 / Nov 24 / Dec 11

Location: Zoom (join our slack for links!)

Genre/Ages: All kidlit genres / age ranges! Authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators welcome!

Contact: Joe Mruk - [email protected]


North Hills Critique Group

Openings: Yes

Day/Time: Fluctuates – based on group poll in a Slack Group. There is a daytime group and an evening group.

Location: Daytime group meets at the West View Hub, Evening group location varies by month

Genre/Ages: All kidlit genres/age ranges

Contact: [email protected]

Slack Link: https://join.slack.com/t/scbwicritique-zvi1573/shared_invite/zt-2y7hcdfar-z5EIfjYWSaQmpCgb8d7h9Q 


South Hills Picture Book Makers

Openings: Yes: Open to Writers and Illustrators

Day/Time: Second Thursdays – 6 - 8 pm

Location: Galleria Mall – upstairs seating area by Panera Bread, 1500 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228

Contact: Kris Sacco – [email protected]

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We're looking for a Critique Group Coordinator!

SCBWI PA West is seeking a Critique Group Coordinator to help us host our online Pittsburgh Writers & Illustrators Critique Group and coordinate with other critique groups in the area to keep information up to date on the site. If this interests you, reach out to Joe at [email protected] for more information.