SouthWest Writers (SWW) Critique Group Program
Looking to join a Critique Group? Fill out this form to get connected!
Why join a Critique Group?
- Are you looking for thoughtful and constructive feedback on your writing from experienced authors and writers?
- Are you looking for a forum to discuss language, style, marketing, and publishing challenges?
- Are you looking to grow in your craft but have hit a wall in achieving that growth on your own?
- Are you looking for a safe venue to show your work to a thoughtful audience before you show it to the world?
If so, then you might benefit from participating in a Critique Group, or an organized group of active writers looking to sharpen both their writing and editing skills by sharing their own work in a small group and providing feedback to others at the same time.
It is important to remember, critique groups are not training programs for people who have never written. If that is what you are looking for, please consider a writer’s workshop or a continuing education class.
What to know about SWW-Affiliated Critique Groups?
- All SWW members are eligible to participate, regardless of genre or writing style.
- The logistics of each individual Critique Group (i.e. when meetings occur, how often, where, how the group spends their time) are determined by the group members themselves.
- SWW can assist you in forming a new Critique Group, including by connecting you with other interested members. At least one group member must be a member of SWW.
- Additional information, sample forms, and assistance in starting the group are offered as part of your SWW member benefit.
- All critique groups are independent of SWW. We do not administer these groups. Guidance for critique groups by SWW is only offered when requested and is only a suggestion.
- Coaching is available to set up the group and the rules, and then after as requested. The initial coaching set up session is virtual and run by the Critique Group Coordinator.
- Review Critique Group Considerations (written by our former Critique Group Coordinator, Robert Speake) to help you decide if a critique group is for you. A number of SWW members with writing and critique group experience are available to assist in helping you start a successful critique group.
Email the critique group coordinator at critique@swwriters.com if you have any questions.
Ready to join? Fill out this form to get connected!
What to expect when joining a Critique Group
- Members don’t pay to be part of a Critique Group– they receive great writing advice by staying part of the group and providing high quality input to the other group members on their work.
- What you can expect from most groups:
- A word count limit
- Deadlines and time limits
- A way of delivering critiques
- Kind and useful feedback (and you are expected to be kind and useful too)
- Critique conversations can turn into discussions on the craft of writing, and some groups even do book studies on various topics.
- Whether facilitated by the SWW or not, your group should have a conversation about organization and conflict resolution. See our support materials: “SouthWest Writers Guidance for Forming and Operating Critique Groups” by Patricia Walkow, and explore our Sample Agreement, or let our Critique Coordinator know that your group would like coaching.
- Any critique group experiencing complications may contact us for consultations at no cost. Please send an email to info@swwriters.com.
Additional Resources
- If you are a member of an existing critique group and would like to get your group listed here on our pages, please send an email to info@swwriters.com with your group name and your contact information, and we will get your group listed. If you have an opening for new members, please let us know.
Specialized Critiquing Guidelines:
What’s Next?
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- Email the SWW Critique Group Coordinator for more information at critique@swwriters.com.
- If you are interested in starting/joining a critique group, join SWW by going to the website Membership
- Once you (or a group member) has signed up, you can fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.