Guest Author - Lucinda Moriarty

After working to craft characters, storylines, and dialogue it is nearly impossible to step back and cast an objective eye on a piece of work. Constructive criticism isn’t always easy to find. A critique group may provide the input you need to polish your manuscript. But be warned: all critique groups are not alike.

What is a critique group? A critique group usually consists of writers who read and review the work of others in the group. Group meetings are held on a fairly regular basis or at least by some preset schedule. In most cases, a moderator or organizer guides the meetings. Each critique group will have its own rules about attendance and participation.

Why join a critique group? There are several reasons to join a critique group. The most common reason is to get constructive criticism in order to sharpen a manuscript. Some people join critique groups in order to discipline themselves into meeting writing goals. Others join for support or networking purposes.

Who makes up a great critique group? There are critique groups and then there are critique groups. Ideally, a group of fellow children’s book writers would maximize productivity. Writers of other genres may be able to provide beneficial criticism as well, especially since many writers do not concentrate on one genre alone. Additionally, look for a group that has several writers who are at – or above – your level of writing. If you are further along than most writers in the group you may not receive the degree of evaluation you seek.

When is it time to get your manuscript critiqued? If you are wondering about it, then it is probably time.

Where can you find a critique group? Ask your librarian if she knows of any children’s writers critique groups in the area. Also, many bookstores have critique groups. Professional organizations like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators have bulletin boards where you can find other writers looking to “swap” manuscripts for critique.

Most importantly, find a group that works for you. If you find a critique group in your area, ask if you can do a one-time visit before joining. This will give you an opportunity to see how the group operates in advance of joining. I’ve visited groups where there was nothing constructive about the criticism at all; frankly, those groups are a waste of your time and energy.

Always remember that you do not have to act on every suggestion you are given, though much of the input will be helpful. Think of yourself as the Chairman of the Board and your manuscript is your product. Members of your critique group should offer opinions based on their individual expertise, but you ultimately decide which information is valuable.