OUR CRITIQUE GROUPS
We currently offer several monthly ongoing workshops, which meet virtually. We also offer workshops for specific purposes, such as beta reads of members' work.
All of our workshops are moderated, and adhere to a modified version of the Clarion critique method. For a concise explanation of the Clarion method, click here.
You are welcome to guest join a group and see if it "clicks," or ask other members for their recommendations.
We strive to be respectful of each others' work, and welcome writers of all mediums. If you have a work that doesn't fit one of these categories, we can probably create a new group for it!
Novels
Focused on longer works, generally defined as 55,000 words and up.
Short Stories
Focused on shorter works, generally less than 30,000 words.
Comics and Other
We currently have one ongoing comic writing group and one query writing group.
We typically have 3-4 beta reads per year of members' works.
Mechanics of Critique Groups
Joining a Group
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Each group has its own Meetup.com page, that includes the focus (short stories, novels or other works), date/time of meeting, and organizer name
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Simply sign up for a group by clicking the "Attend" button for the next meeting
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You don't have submit any work, but you are expected to read the other group member's writing before the meeting (see below)
Critique Meetings
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Groups usually meet for two hours, once per month, online over Zoom.
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Meeting dates and times are posted in the Meetup page for that group.
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Groups critique 3-4 stories, queries, or chapters of longer works per meeting.
Submitting Work
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Each writer can submit up to 7,500 words from their short story or longer work to be read by the group.
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Writers submit to the email address provided by the moderator.
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DOC, DOCX or ODT formats are preferred
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Submissions are usually due 10-11 days before the group meets.
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Submissions are taken on a first-come, first serve basis.
Reading Others Work
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The group moderator will make all the selections to be read available in the group's google drive 10 days before the
group meets -
It's expected that everyone in the group will read the selections and provide written comments directly to the writer about 24 hours before the group meets
Life and Etiquette
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Sometimes life gets in the way! Please let the moderator and/or writer know if you're running late providing written notes
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It's advised that if your work contains elements that could be upsetting, please provide a content warning up front
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Be honest but courteous in your critique
More Info
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You can always email the moderators or the BSFW organizers with questions
Helpful Documents
These downloads can help you in your own work and in your critique of others' writing. Please take the time to read the Critique Group Policies document.