Are Critique Groups of any Real Value?
by Virginia Boyce

From time to time, Kite Tales has listed critique groups looking for new members or individuals looking to join a group. Even though many people express an interest in such support groups, often they don't take action because they're:
1. afraid of criticism, or timid,
2. so busy they can't see how they can fit in another meeting,
3. dread having to come up with something to share however many times the group meets.

If you can't find an already formed group that meets close to you, SCBWI recommends finding members though writing or art classes; through notices in local newsletters; by talking to librarians, bookstore personnel, other writers or illustrators. You might also consider an online computer critique group. That way, it doesn't matter where in the city or state or country, you reside; contact is as close as your computer.

When you have a small list of interested people (3-5 to begin with; 10-12 maximum is recommended), contact them by phone or mail. Choose a time, date, and place to meet. Meetings can be held in homes, at a bank or other community room, a library--anywhere that is agreeable to hosting the group.

A set day or night and an exact time usually works better for most people so they can plan ahead.

Things you'll have to decide:
1. Whether there will be dues to pay for "treats."
2. Whether you'll select one person to head up the group and keep things moving, or rotate this responsibility. Someone must keep track of time so everyone reads or exhibits and hears criticism.
3. How often and how many pages each one may share each meeting.
4. Who starts reading--can be the first person to arrive, or whoever didn't get a chance last time.
5. Whether the writer/illustrator should make copies for everyone.

There is no one right way. Choose the method that is most beneficial and agreeable to your group. Some part of the meeting should be devoted to marketing news, articles discovered, new books, writing classes, and other information to be shared. This probably should come at the end of the meeting, or the meeting may never get started! Remember! Whatever works best for your group is right.

Criticism
Criticism should be constructive, not destructive.

"I didn't like the way you wrote (or illustrated) that" is never valid. It helps to know the strengths and/or weaknesses of a manuscript or illustration. A compliment offered first softens a "constructive" negative criticism. Try to say why something doesn't work for you and offer possibilities for change.

Always be encouraging. Those on the receiving end of the critique should remember that any suggestion may be accepted or rejected--the author has the final word on what stays.

Remind yourself that you joined the group to get feedback. Try not to be defensive when you're criticized. All creators feel protective about their "children."

A critique group can remain strong only when the sanctity of that group is respected. It is never okay to use the ideas or the research done by another member, nor impose upon their contacts in the publishing world, nor to reveal to others outside your group the work-in-progress unless you have the express permission of the author or illustrator.

Finally, when a member is published, celebrate! Drop a note the national SCBWI office, and also to your local newsletter editor.

Information in this article is based on the SCBWI brochure, "Starting a Critique Group."

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