FAQs

We can't speak for everyone, because different groups have different goals, but our mission is to help one another improve material and get it published. We meet--in person--to read and critique whatever members contribute on a given night. Most is fiction, but we also review query letters, marketing plans, book proposals, and other industry-related pieces that move us along the path to publishing. Most importantly, we share ideas, contacts, wisdom, and opinions, which makes us more of a support group than anything else.

Q: What are the benefits of a critique group?

A: How much time have you got? But, seriously, surrounding yourself with people who have the same goal as you do is never a bad idea. Not only do they challenge you to be better, they keep you on track with your goal. They hold you accountable. And it's tough to break into the biz alone, so networking is critical in the publishing business. Remember: to publishers, you are a product. A brand. A commodity. With so many new writers trying to break in, you need to shine. A good critique group will help you polish what you've written, catching errors you missed and making suggestions for improvement. They're fresh eyes with differing perspectives and, if you're a close group, they'll care about the material you produce. How could you NOT participate in a critique group?

Q: How do I prepare material for a critique?

A: Obviously, you won't want to monopolize a meeting, so don't bring your entire book. Just a single chapter or a stand-alone short story is enough. But don't distribute a rough draft with typos and confusing formats and fonts that will distract readers. You want people to concentrate on the content, not the glaring errors. So, edit your material carefully. Make sure, to the best of your ability, that it's is as good as it can be. The best way to do that is to "pretend" you're submitting the piece to a publisher or a magazine or whatever. A publisher will automatically reject something that doesn't look professional. Assume your critique group will feel the same.

It will take some time to compile a worthwhile FAQ page, so please check back periodically for additions.

Q: I'm having a difficult time envisioning a scene from my character's point of view. What's a good way to learn how to see from a character's perspective?

A: It's hard to develop a character without putting yourself in the character's shoes. But it's not impossible. Consider signing-up for an acting class. Imagining they're someone else is an actor's job, so you're bound to get something out of it. And you don't have to spend a lot. Check around in your community (sometimes libraries or recreation centers will offer inexpensive classes) and at local schools.

Q: Friends and family have given me positive feedback on my writing, but how do I know if my material is good enough for publication?

A: Unless your friends and family write for a living, they have NO IDEA what it takes to get published. And, unless you're extremely familiar with the publishing industry, you don't either. Spend some time on the computer, visiting writing-related sites and reading articles about crafting and publishing. When your head starts swimming, that's when you'll know whether you're good enough to publish. And you're probably not. That's where a good critique group can come in handy, or join an online chat community. Some of them share and critique material for free. Once you're more familiar with the industry, you'll have a better idea of where you stand. (A good source for information is the Author's Corner at http://www.archebooks.com -- and check out Our Favorite Links.)