Critique Groups! Who Needs Them?

By Loretta Eidson

Critique groups are a must for all writers regardless of status or number of published books. No one is beyond the need for a fresh set of eyes to read over their written work. Critique group members search for misspelled words, typos, grammatical errors, punctuation, and a host of other potential problems will help polish the manuscript and make it presentable for agents and editors.

Joining a critique group doesn’t guarantee a contract with a publisher, but it points out areas in our writing that may need more work. Becoming an author is a profession where thick skin becomes necessary. What does that mean? It simply means we don’t take suggested edits personally and get offended.

Successful authors are those who used the insight of critique partners, remained humble and teachable, whether it’s their debut novel or number fifty. Also, a respected and successful author is one who encourages aspiring writers and helps point them in the right direction.

There are several places to look for a trustworthy critique group, preferably people not related to you. Relatives will always think your work is fabulous. Here are some suggestions.

1. ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) members have access to ACFW’s critique group program through email submissions. Yes, you must be a member to take part in this amazing opportunity.  https://member.acfw.com/member_connection/critique_groups
2. Word Weavers International offers a wide range of critique groups who have the option of meeting in person for sessions or joining an online group who meets using Zoom. For a small fee, anyone can become a member of Word Weavers. https://word-weavers.com/

3. Joining local writers’ groups who meet monthly is an added benefit for those wanting to improve their craft and may have members who are looking for critique partners. ACFW has chapter groups who have monthly meetings and can be helpful in your critique group selection.
4. Many authors meet people at writers’ conferences and form their own groups of six to eight people or fewer with whoever desires honest feedback. Attend a conference and ask around.

Another avenue to search is on Facebook writer group pages and other social media. There are always caring authors who can offer advice or point you in the right direction.

Have you ever read someone’s work and noticed the wrong use of a word, a quotation in the wrong place, or too many spaces between words? This is how critiquing/editing works. While the error may jump out at you, the author may have read over the pages multiple times and never spotted them. It’s easily done.

Maybe what’s read has a plot issue or the heroine’s eyes were blue at the beginning of the story and then they were brown, or her hair was black and later blond. These are important descriptions that must be consistent. Critique partners will catch these oversights.

What if the hero was driving his car in heavy traffic in one paragraph and in the next paragraph, he’s having coffee with a friend? How did he get from one place to the other so fast? A critique group will also catch this and advise you to add a transitional paragraph or sentence.

Taking part in a critique group is essential to every author. Regardless of how many times you reread and edit your work, it is important for others to look it over before hitting the send button.

Who needs a critique group? The answer is simple. Whoever wants to succeed in their writing career.

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and puts her characters in situations where they must trust God. Tamela Hancock Murray is her agent. Loretta is an AWSA certified coach. Her Love Inspired Suspense novel, Pursued in the Wilderness, won AWSA’s 2023 Romance Novel of the Year Award. Visit Loretta on her website at https://www.lorettaeidson.com/.